Stover Country Park unveils two new trails in latest phase of major restoration project

Two new walking trails have officially opened at Stover Country Park as part of a major restoration project aimed at improving public access and protecting the site’s sensitive habitats.

The footpaths were launched last Friday (28 November), marking the latest stage of the Restoring Stover Park Project, which is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and several local organisations.

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Stover Country Park, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), sits between Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey and is one of Teignbridge’s most visited green spaces.

The first new route, the Serpentine Lake Trail, is a 1.5-mile circular path created on land recently bought for the project. 

It gives visitors views of Stover House, now part of Stover School, and a restored stretch of the historic Serpentine Lake.

The second route, the Canadian War Memorial Trail, is a 2.75-mile footpath developed with Sibelco UK Ltd. 

It takes walkers past the Canadian War Memorial sculpture, through Goilmoors Plantation and along the edge of a County Wildlife Site before looping back to the park. 

The trail highlights the role of the Canadian Forestry Corps during the First World War and the long history of the local clay industry.

New welcome boards, maps and fingerposts have been installed to help visitors explore the wider park and learn more about its history. 

The information boards share stories uncovered during the restoration work.

Friday’s opening event brought together volunteers, funders, contractors and community partners. 

Devon County Council said volunteers have already given around 5,500 hours of their time to the project.

Councillor Paul Arnott, Deputy Leader of Devon County Council, said he was “deeply impressed” by the work behind the project.

“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,” he said.

Taryn Nixon from The National Lottery Heritage Fund said the new trails provide “real appreciation for the precious relationship between people and nature”.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson said the opening marks “an important milestone” in restoring Stover’s natural and built heritage, adding that visitors “won’t be disappointed”.

This marks the second major stage of the restoration project.

Last year saw upgrades to the visitor centre, the construction of a community workshop and conservation work on the Grade II Gatehouse, which was then removed from Historic England’s “At Risk” register.

A large de-silting operation at Stover Lake also removed 14,000 cubic metres of silt.

The project is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Highways, Devon County Council, Teignbridge District Council, Bovey Tracey Town Council, Kingsteignton Town Council and other partners.