Cotswold Lakes Trust is set to expand access to water-based sports activities at Cleveland Lakes in the Cotswold Water Park, to meet an increase in demand from members of the public.

Thanks to a £31,000 grant from Enovert Community Trust, through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF), the project will involve the installation of two large shipping containers to provide essential facilities, including a welfare unit, shelter, and storage.

This development will create a base of operations to enable Cotswold Lakes Trust to meet a growing demand for water sports at Cleveland Lakes.

Cleveland Lakes, a flagship site for Cotswold Lakes Trust, covers an area of 330 acres within the Cotswold Water Park, a series of former quarry sites interspersed with restored land for nature conservation and amenity.

It features two of the largest lakes in the Cotswold Water Park, Wickwater Lake and Waterhay Lake.

The new facilities will support improved access to the lakes for non-motorised water sports such as canoeing, rowing, and open-water swimming.

This approach is in line with Cotswold Lakes Trust's commitment to protecting the site's rich biodiversity, ensuring that activities on the lake do not harm the local wildlife and habitats in the area.

With an additional grant from the British Canoe Foundation, the project will create a hub for both public and club use, fostering increased participation in water sports while safeguarding the natural environment.

Matthew Millett, development director of Cotswold Lakes Trust, said: "We are thrilled to be taking this vital step to improve public access to Cleveland Lakes. This exciting project, which will hopefully be completed in November, will allow us to meet growing demand for non-motorised water sports while ensuring they remain in harmony with the site's natural surroundings."

Angela Haymonds, trust manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: "The trust is delighted to support this project that opens up such a beautiful space for local sports. Our funding is helping to provide essential infrastructure to encourage more people to get involved and benefit from the natural environment Cleveland Lakes offers."

For more information on the Cleveland Lakes project, please visit the Cotswold Lakes Trust website.