PROJECT SUMMARY

Due to improved facilities at the lakeside this project will encourage new higher spending visitors to Wimbleball and Exmoor, and will provide training for trainers in outdoor activities. It will benefit surrounding rural businesses as a consequence of these developments, and will increase opportunities for joint marketing.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Olympic Gold medallist, Ed Coode officially opened the new £1 million activity hub at Wimbleball Lake near Dulverton, Somerset in October 2006.

The £1 million project, managed by South West Lakes Trust, saw the completion of an all inclusive activity hub at the 374 acre lake to encourage more participation from visitors in a wide range of watersports and countryside based activities.

On the watersports side the acclaimed development includes a new rowing store, new sports equipment and pontoons as well as new showers and changing areas to make taking part in watersports easier than ever.

To encourage more visitors to enjoy the wonderful countryside surrounding the lake there is an easily accessible bird hide with interpretation, improved access and signage throughout the site.

In addition there has been a major redevelopment of the catering facilities so that the lake has something to offer all visitors to Exmoor National Park, whether for active or passive recreation and enjoyment.

South West Lakes Trust Director Evelyn Stacey said, “this is one of the most exciting developments we have seen in Exmoor National Park. With the 2012 Olympics getting even closer the Trust is keen to encourage as much participation in watersports as possible and Wimbleball Lake is the ideal venue. We hope that visitors and locals alike will come and enjoy these new facilities to the full.”

Jim Clarke, Sport England South West Regional Director said “We are delighted to have invested in the Wimbleball project and it is a great example of our Multi-sport/activity Hub concept taking off in a rural location. With a family friendly approach and using our natural environment to its fullest extend we are breaking down barriers to participation in sport and active recreation that will create a lasting benefit to everyone in the Community.”

To compliment the new facilities South West Lakes Trust has also employed several new staff including a coach, an outdoor development officer and a recreation ranger. The centre offers tuition in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and rowing and is also a premier trout fishery.

Schools and organizations can also benefit from the new facilities with the range of water and land based activities on offer.

Chairman of the Rural Renaissance Partnership, Mike Lewis, has hailed the project as one of the most significant in the County. “Our investment will help grow the training programmes, and this will lead to more tourists at the Lake but also the development of outdoor activity businesses in general across a much wider area of Somerset.”


For further details on Wimbleball Lake and its facilities call 01398 371460 or visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk. For more information about the project read the consultant's final evaluation report.