Stunning Devon family park with gorgeous lake being transformed

Work has started on a range of major improvements at a country park in Devon which is one of the best in the country. The huge works are underway at Stover Country Park in Newton Abbot, just off the A38, as part of the Restoring Stover Park Project.

The scheme includes extending the current visitor centre, creating a new community workshop, re-establishing a section of the historic Serpentine Lake, and silt dredging of Stover Lake. It also includes restoration to the historic gatehouse.

The Restoring Stover Park Project has been made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and aims to create a better place for people, wildlife and heritage. Work on these initial elements of the project is expected to be completed this autumn.

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Following a two-year development phase, Devon County Council, which owns and manages Stover Country Park, was awarded a £2.1 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its ‘Restoring Stover Park’ project at the end of 2022.

The three-year grant from the Heritage Fund will enable the delivery of the following elements of the project:

1. Extend the Discovery Centre and build a new workshop facility.

2. Improve the car park within the existing footprint, provide parking for one coach, and increase the capacity of the car parks by 14%.

3. Wet dredge 14,000m³ of sediment from Stover Lake and spread the sediment adjacent to the lake before replanting with a mix of deciduous broadleaved trees, conifer trees and open grassland.

4. Restore a 100m portion of the Serpentine Lake directly beneath Stover School (Stover House) recreating views seen in 19th Century etchings.

5. Repair and interpret the Grade II* listed Granite Gatehouse.

6. Create two new longer footpaths for the public to enjoy.

7. Design and deliver new interpretation, wayfinding and signage along with a new digital offering.

8. Deliver an Activity Plan with six programmes to provide a framework and identity for the project and engage target audiences.

Cllr Andrea Davis, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Thanks to everyone who plays the National Lottery, the support we’ve received through the Heritage Fund will transform the condition of the natural and built heritage of Stover Country Park. This ambitious project will enhance both the environment and heritage of Stover. We want more people to be able to enjoy the park and see it as a space which can support their health and wellbeing as well as providing an important habitat for nature.

“Stover Country Park plays an important role for people's health and wellbeing, but in turn, we also need to care for the health of the park and nature reserve. This scheme to de-silt Stover Lake will complement our previous work in partnership with National Highways.

“The sustainable reedbed drainage system that was installed a few years ago has proven extremely effective in improving water quality and restoring biodiversity. This latest investment will build on that success to have a further positive environmental impact at Stover, alongside further restoration work across the country park.”

Cllr George Gribble, County Councillor for Bovey Rural, said: “The Restoring Stover Park Project will make Stover and the surrounding area a better place to visit, work and live, and it will provide better opportunities for visitors to explore and find out more about its heritage. Hopefully it will also encourage more people to volunteer their time and learn new skills to support the project.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s fantastic news that work is underway at Stover Park. Thanks to National Lottery players, this ambitious project will revitalise the biodiversity, restore the historic landscape and create an accessible green space for the community. It’s important everyone has access to nature and it’s through projects like these that we can make a real difference and offer people a chance to connect with nature on their doorstep and help with its recovery.”

While work is under way, access to parts of Stover have been restricted. Regular visitors to Stover will have seen lots of activity over the last few weeks in preparation for the work. This has included vegetation clearance, installation of a portacabin to provide office space for the rangers, public toilets, an information point and new site signage for visitors while work is taking place.