A major three‑year restoration project at Stover Country Park has now been completed, and the public are invited to help celebrate this weekend, (Sunday 8 March).
The Restoring Stover Park Project has seen more than £4.2 million invested in the park. Half of the funding came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the remainder provided by Devon County Council and a range of partners.
The project has transformed the park for wildlife, heritage and visitors. It marks the biggest programme of improvement at Stover for generations.
Over the three years, volunteers have played a vital role in the project, contributing more than 5,500 hours caring for Stover’s wildlife and heritage.
The project has delivered new and improved facilities, restored historic features, improved paths and trails, and carried out major work to improve Stover Lake and its wildlife.
It has also helped more people enjoy the park through education, volunteering and community activities.
Earlier this week, invited guests attended a celebration event at the park.
Guests, including funders, contractors, community partners and volunteers, marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative granite plinth, planting trees in a new woodland and celebrating Stover’s history.
Devon County Council’s Vice Chair, Councillor Rosie Dawson, said:
“Stover is more than just a beautiful landscape. It is an extraordinary asset to our county — a place where people of all ages can walk, learn, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
“It supports wildlife, wellbeing, and community in equal measure. In a busy and often noisy world, spaces like this matter more than ever.
“What makes today particularly special is not just this incredible project, but what it represents.
“This park is a shining example of what can be achieved when agencies, authorities, volunteers and communities work together with shared purpose. Local government, partners, funders, environmental specialists, and dedicated volunteers have all played their part. No single organisation could have delivered this alone — it is true collaboration in action.”
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said:
“This project shows what can be achieved when people and experts come together to care for a special place. Stover Country Park is now better protected for the future and even more welcoming for visitors. It’s an extraordinary achievement for our heritage and wildlife in this wonderful location and a moment to celebrate as Stover opens up for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
“Stover Country Park has undergone a truly transformational journey and its positive impact will be felt for generations to come. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project has opened up new ways for people to explore the park, celebrate its rich heritage and nurture its remarkable wildlife and biodiversity. Congratulations to everyone involved – what an amazing legacy to leave for the project.”
Ian Ellis, South West Programme Delivery Manager for National Highways, said:
“We’re proud to have played a part in this significant restoration project, a truly collaborative effort which will ultimately benefit communities living alongside our road network and improve the experience for the many people who visit and use the Stover Country Park site.
“Through our Designated Funds programme, we’ve enabled work to improve water quality and enhance biodiversity within Stover Country Park, funded the restoration of the historic granite Gatehouse directly facing the A38, and our teams have also carried out voluntary clearance and tree planting work.
“As part of the Community Trees Programme, a partnership between National Highways, The Tree Council and Greenwood Plants to donate native trees to communities across England, we have also provided over 2,000 trees for planting at the Stover Country Park site.”
Daphne Watts, Chair of Trustees, Friends of Stover Country Park, said:
“The Restoring Stover Project has demonstrated what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared vision, and Friends of Stover Country Park are delighted to have been part of the Project. The Friends will continue to do all that we can to support this special place.”
Bill Horner, Project Sponsor for Devon Remembers, said
“The Devon Remembers project aimed to make sure that the stories and sacrifices of the First World War are remembered in ways people can still connect with today.
“At Stover, the creation of the Canadian War Memorial Trail and the improved access through the parkland and woodland are a lasting tribute to the ‘Sawdust Fusiliers’ of the Canadian Forestry Corps, whose skills and hard work were so vital in Britain’s hour of need.
“It’s fitting that, now the restoration work is complete, people can walk these paths and remember their contribution in such a positive and accessible way.”
Councillor Gary Taylor, Executive Member for Planning and Building Control at Teignbridge District Council, said:
“The restoration work that has been successfully delivered at Stover Country Park will provide significant, ongoing benefits for visitors to the site and for nature at the site.
“The restored pathways provide an enhanced network that includes opportunities to re-discover historic views and learn more about the heritage of the site.
“The efforts from many volunteers, Devon County Council staff and others involved in the project, can now be appreciated to the full by local residents and visitors from further afield.
“This is a great achievement, which Teignbridge District Council have fully supported.”
Michelle Lewis-Clarke, Town Clerk for Kingsteignton Town Council, said:
“Kingsteignton Town Council was pleased to support the Restoring Stover Park Project through a financial contribution towards this important initiative. Stover Country Park is a much-valued natural space for our residents and the wider community, and this restoration will help protect its wildlife and heritage while improving facilities for visitors. We encourage our community to take the opportunity to visit the park, enjoy the improvements, and make the most of this wonderful local resource.”
The Mayor of Bovey Tracey, Councillor Sheila Brook, said:
“It was a pleasure to be involved in this project from its inception. The diverse community engagement generated by the project team was outstanding. It benefited many groups, and the project will leave a lasting legacy for years to come.”
Celebrations continue this Sunday 8 March, with a free public event at Stover Country Park. Everyone is welcome to drop in between 10am and 3pm to explore the improvements and enjoy family‑friendly activities.
For more information, email restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk