Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park have, once again, been named as two of the best parks in the country after receiving this year’s Green Flag Award.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park are two of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
What makes the achievement all the more impressive is that Stover Country Park has now received the Green Flag award for the past 23 years in a row, while the Grand Western Canal Country Park has notched up 18 consecutive years.
Earlier this year, the Restoring Stover Park project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Highways, was completed. Important historic landscape features within the Grade II listed Stover Park and Garden have been conserved for future generations, while also enhancing the site for wildlife and visitors.
The final year of the project saw the completion of car park improvements, the creation of two new walking routes along the Serpentine Lake and through neighbouring woodland owned by Sibelco Minerals, and the launch of a new interpretation package including information boards, leaflets, signage, a digital app and educational resources for visiting school groups.
An extensive programme of community engagement activities continued throughout the final year of the project. Many of the groups engaged through the project, including those who have traditionally been underrepresented in accessing the site, will be able to continue visiting as new funding opportunities become available.
One of this year’s Green Flag judges commented: ‘Thank you for a very pleasant visit to your well managed park and both judges have no hesitation in awarding you a very well-deserved Green Flag Award.’
Grand Western Canal Country Park has also continued to benefit from significant improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.
In late March this year, contractors completed the resurfacing of a 1,050-metre section of towpath between Halberton and Sampford Peverell at Grand Western Canal Country Park.
The path had not been resurfaced for 17 years and, over time, heavy use had worn away much of the stone surface, exposing rocks and tree roots that created trip hazards.
To improve accessibility and safety, a 10-centimetre layer of compacted limestone chippings and dust was laid and rolled to create a smooth, durable surface. The upgraded towpath is now suitable for a wide range of users, including people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
Funded through Devon County Council’s Public Rights of Way capital programme, the improvements have been warmly welcomed, particularly by the local community in Sampford Peverell.
During the Easter holidays, a new Nature Trail was launched along the towpath, featuring 26 posts with rubbing plaques depicting wildlife species commonly found at each location. The trail encourages visitors to discover and connect with the canal’s diverse wildlife. Find out more details: https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/new-nature-trail-launched-grand-western-canal/
The Green Flag Award judges praised the Canal as “a really nice site”, recognising the strong partnership approach that helps ensure it is so well managed and maintained.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“It is brilliant news to see both Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park once again recognised with Green Flag Awards. These cherished green spaces not only provide havens for wildlife and help protect biodiversity, but also offer wonderful opportunities for people to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers who care for these special places throughout the year. Their commitment ensures that visitors can continue to enjoy high-quality, welcoming environments while supporting some of Devon’s most valuable natural habitats.”
Councillor Sally Morgan, County Councillor for Bovey Tracey Rural, said:
“This award is a fantastic achievement and a fitting recognition of the care and dedication that goes into maintaining this much-loved country park. Stover Country Park is a wonderful place for people to enjoy nature while supporting an incredible variety of wildlife. The success of the park demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to protecting and enhancing our natural environment for future generations.”
Councillor Les Cruwys, Chair of the Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee, said:
“The Grand Western Canal Country Park is one of Mid Devon’s most treasured destinations, and this award is a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in its success. From the rangers and volunteers to the organisations that help bring the canal’s unique attractions to life, this achievement belongs to them all. It is wonderful to see so many people enjoying the canal and discovering everything it has to offer.”
Councillor Neale Raleigh, County Councillor for Tiverton East, said:
“This is wonderful recognition for one of Mid Devon’s most treasured landscapes. The award reflects the dedication and passion of the canal rangers, volunteers and supporters who work throughout the year to care for this special place. Their efforts help ensure the canal remains a haven for wildlife and a place where people can enjoy the peace, beauty and heritage of the area.”
Councillor Simon Clist, County Councillor for Willand and Uffculme, said:
This latest Green Flag Award is a fantastic achievement and further recognition of the dedication and expertise of the staff, volunteers and supporters who care for the Grand Western Canal. Their hard work helps make the canal one of Devon’s most treasured destinations, providing benefits for wildlife, local communities and the many visitors who come to enjoy its unique heritage and natural beauty.”
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
“Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming.
“With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.
“Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park have shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
More information about Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces is available on the Green Flag Awards website.