Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park have, once again, been named as two of the best parks in the country after receiving this year’s Green Flag Award.
It comes as the internationally recognised standard for parks and green spaces celebrates its 30th year.
Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park are two of a record-breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the teams who care for these green spaces, ensuring they are maintained to a high standard for visitors and residents to enjoy.
What makes the achievement all the more impressive is that Stover Country Park has now received the Green Flag award for the past 23 years in a row, while the Grand Western Canal Country Park has notched up 18 consecutive years.
Earlier this year, the Restoring Stover Park project, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Highways, was completed. Important historic landscape features within the Grade II listed Stover Park and Garden have been conserved for future generations, while also enhancing the site for wildlife and visitors.
The final year of the project saw the completion of car park improvements, the creation of two new walking routes along the Serpentine Lake and through neighbouring woodland owned by Sibelco Minerals, and the launch of a new interpretation package including information boards, leaflets, signage, a digital app and educational resources for visiting school groups.
An extensive programme of community engagement activities continued throughout the final year of the project. Many of the groups engaged through the project, including those who have traditionally been underrepresented in accessing the site, will be able to continue visiting as new funding opportunities become available.
One of this year’s Green Flag judges commented: ‘Thank you for a very pleasant visit to your well managed park and both judges have no hesitation in awarding you a very well-deserved Green Flag Award.’
Grand Western Canal Country Park has also continued to benefit from significant improvements aimed at enhancing accessibility and visitor experience.
In late March this year, contractors completed the resurfacing of a 1,050-metre section of towpath between Halberton and Sampford Peverell at Grand Western Canal Country Park.
The path had not been resurfaced for 17 years and, over time, heavy use had worn away much of the stone surface, exposing rocks and tree roots that created trip hazards.
To improve accessibility and safety, a 10-centimetre layer of compacted limestone chippings and dust was laid and rolled to create a smooth, durable surface. The upgraded towpath is now suitable for a wide range of users, including people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs.
Funded through Devon County Council’s Public Rights of Way capital programme, the improvements have been warmly welcomed, particularly by the local community in Sampford Peverell.
During the Easter holidays, a new Nature Trail was launched along the towpath, featuring 26 posts with rubbing plaques depicting wildlife species commonly found at each location. The trail encourages visitors to discover and connect with the canal’s diverse wildlife. Find out more details: https://www.devon.gov.uk/news/new-nature-trail-launched-grand-western-canal/
The Green Flag Award judges praised the Canal as “a really nice site”, recognising the strong partnership approach that helps ensure it is so well managed and maintained.
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