Stover Country Park

On the outskirts of Newton Abbot sits the 114 acres of woodland, heathland, grassland, lake and marsh that makes up Stover Country Park. The park is home to a substantial variety of wildlife including birds, insects, dragonflies and damselflies as well as small mammals. It is a site of special scientific interest and is protected to conserve its wildlife and geology.

The main feature of this site is Stover Lake and its marsh. The walk around the border of the lake is flat and provides the perfect afternoon or morning stroll. Stopping points along the waters edge and bird watching hides makes Stover Country Park ideal for viewing a host of birds.

The Stover Trail, a traffic free multi use route (opened in July 2015) connects Newton Abbot to Bovey Tracey. This flat route passes alongside the beautiful Stover Country Park and will eventually extend towards Lustleigh and Moretonhampstead in Dartmoor National Park.

You can pick up signs for the Stover Trail in Newton Abbot off the roundabout on Jetty Marsh Road (near Newton Abbot Hospital). From Bovey Tracey, pick up the route at the bottom of Newton Road. Details on the route can also be found on the cycle Devon website.

The Ted Hughes Poetry Trail was created at Stover Country Park and opened in 2006 to celebrate the author’s poetry and his long-standing links with Devon. Visitors to the Trail can find sixteen specially-designed 'poetry posts', each displaying examples of Hughes' finest poems relating to the natural world. These poems and quote were chosen with the help of Carol Hughes to relate to the wildlife which is seen and heard around the Country Park.

The historical development of the area from the 18th century is apparent both within the Country Park and at the adjacent sites of the remains of the canal and railway. The 18 mile Templer Way from Haytor to Shaldon and the associated Heritage Trail passes through the Park. They show the route of granite transported from Dartmoor to the coast. The remains of the canal and the subsequent railway also illustrate the transportation of clay and other goods.

Facilities at Stover Country Park include disabled access, information boards, a Nature Interpretation Centre which is located near the entrance and car park, here you’ll find a visitor centre, classroom, rangers’ office and public toilets. Dogs are allowed in the park.
Bus stops are situated near to the entrance of the park and cycle and walk ways available.