Stover Country Park celebrates another major honour as Devon beauty spot shines again

Students from Southbrook School in Exeter are assisting the Rangers with accessibility initiatives and have created a Summer Art and Nature Trail at Stover | Devon County Council

placeholder image — Students from Southbrook School in Exeter are assisting the Rangers with accessibility initiatives and have created a Summer Art and Nature Trail at Stover | Devon County Council

Stover Country Park has extended its impressive run of Green Flag Awards after another successful year, with recent restoration work and visitor improvements helping secure national recognition

Stover Country Park has been recognised as one of the UK's best green spaces after receiving another Green Flag Award.

The internationally recognised award, which marks its 30th anniversary this year, is given to parks and green spaces that are well managed and maintained.

Stover has now held Green Flag status for 23 consecutive years.

The Grand Western Canal Country Park has also retained the award for an 18th year in a row.

The two Devon sites are among a record 2,391 parks and green spaces across the UK to receive the award in 2026.

The recognition comes just months after work was completed on the Restoring Stover Park project.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Highways, the scheme restored historic features within the Grade II listed park while improving habitats for wildlife and facilities for visitors.

The final phase included improvements to the car park, two new walking routes around the Serpentine Lake and neighbouring woodland, and new interpretation boards, signs, leaflets, a digital app and educational resources for schools.

Community engagement also continued throughout the project, with activities involving local groups, including people who have traditionally been underrepresented in using the park.

One of the Green Flag judges said: "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."

Councillor Sally Morgan, Devon County Councillor for Bovey Tracey Rural, said: "This award is a fantastic achievement and a fitting recognition of the care and dedication that goes into maintaining this much-loved country park.

“Stover Country Park is a wonderful place for people to enjoy nature while supporting an incredible variety of wildlife."

The Grand Western Canal Country Park also retained its Green Flag Award after further improvements over the past year.

The Green Flag judges described the canal as "a really nice site", praising the partnership approach that helps keep it well managed.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: "It is brilliant news to see both Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park once again recognised with Green Flag Awards."

She added: "This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers who care for these special places throughout the year."

The Green Flag Award is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy and recognises parks and green spaces that meet national standards for quality, safety and management.