Stover Country Park near Newton Abbot has launched two new footpaths.
The developments from the latest phase of the Restoring Stover Park Project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, aim to improve the experience for visitors using the park, and to reduce the pressure on the sensitive habitats within the Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The 1.5 mile circular Serpentine Lake Trail has been created along newly purchased land, providing views of Stover House (now Stover School) and a restored section of the historic Serpentine Lake.
The Canadian War Memorial Trail has been developed in partnership with Sibelco UK Ltd. This 2.75 mile circular footpath passes the Canadian War Memorial sculpture, through Goilmoors Plantation and alongside a County Wildlife Site before returning to the park. This route recognises the contribution made by the Canadian Forestry Corps during the First World War, and the importance the clay industry has played in the local area.
New welcome boards, finger posts, and site maps will enable visitors to explore the Country Park and additional routes and provide opportunities to find out about the hidden stories of Stover contained within the new interpretation boards which were unveiled at the launch on Friday (28 November).
This event was a unique opportunity to bring together everyone that have been involved in the project, from funders and contractors to community partners and volunteers. Volunteers have contributed a staggering 5,500 hours to the project so far.
The Restoring Stover Park Project has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, together with National Highways, Devon County Council, Devon Remembers, Teignbridge District Council, Bovey Tracey Town Council, Kingsteignton Town Council, and Friends of Stover Country Park.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council, said:
“I was deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of the team behind this important project at Stover. Situated close to the A38, it is accessible in under an hour from most of the county, and I’d urge residents to go along to this environmentally and historically fascinating site for a good walk and an engagement with Devon’s past, present and future. To our fellow funding agencies, and to the many volunteers of all ages, my warm thanks, and congratulations.”
Taryn Nixon, Trustee and Chair, England, London & South committee at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “These wonderful new trails create even more benefits for people and nature. They open up long lost views and create real appreciation for the precious relationship between people and nature across an important 18th Century designed landscape. Thanks to National Lottery players, the trails make the historic park even more accessible and are a massive boost for health and wellbeing. They create opportunities for even more people to link up with the rich, ongoing learning and activity programme. Huge congratulations to the Restoring Stover Park team and all the groups and volunteers who continue to make this such a flagship project.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“This event marked an important milestone in the extensive natural and built heritage restoration works at Stover. Now the wonders of this Country Park will be open for people to come and enjoy more of its delightful treasures. The celebrations were enjoyed by a large group of people who have been involved in these works, and the results are a great tribute to their hard work and enthusiasm. I encourage everyone to make the time to pay Stover a visit, you won’t be disappointed.”
Councillor Sally Morgan, County Councillor for Bovey Tracey Rural, said:
“I welcome this addition to a much loved and used resource. Stover is a valuable asset to all in Devon. I use it regularly and look forward to exploring the trails.”
The footpaths have been constructed by the Stover Country Park Ranger Team, with MRK Plant assisting with the Canadian War Memorial Trail. Morgans Consult have been the consultants for the interpretation aspect of the project, supported by The Way Design and Llama Digital.
The first phase of the project was completed last year. It was marked last November with a formal opening of the visitor centre, which had been extended and upgraded, and the newly built community workshop. Conservation work was also carried out on the historic Grade II* listed Gatehouse, enabling it to be removed from the ‘At Risk’ register by Historic England, and a de-silting project was carried out at Stover Lake, removing 14,000 cubic metres of silt.
