A MAJOR three‑year restoration project at Stover Country Park has now been completed, and the public are invited to help celebrate this weekend.

The Restoring Stover Park Project has seen more than £4.2 million invested in the park.

Half of the funding came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with the remainder provided by Devon County Council and a range of partners.

The project has transformed the park for wildlife, heritage and visitors. It marks the biggest programme of improvement at Stover for generations.

Over the three years, volunteers have played a vital role in the project, contributing more than 5,500 hours caring for Stover’s wildlife and heritage.

The project has delivered new and improved facilities, restored historic features, improved paths and trails, and carried out major work to improve Stover Lake and its wildlife.

It has also helped more people enjoy the park through education, volunteering and community activities.

Earlier this week, invited guests attended a celebration event at the park.

Guests, including funders, contractors, community partners and volunteers, marked the occasion by unveiling a commemorative granite plinth, planting trees in a new woodland and celebrating Stover’s history.

The Mayor of Bovey Tracey, Councillor Sheila Brook, said: ‘It was a pleasure to be involved in this project from its inception.

‘The diverse community engagement generated by the project team was outstanding.

‘It benefited many groups, and the project will leave a lasting legacy for years to come’.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport, said: ‘This project shows what can be achieved when people and experts come together to care for a special place.

‘Stover Country Park is now better protected for the future and even more welcoming for visitors.

‘It is an extraordinary achievement for our heritage and wildlife in this wonderful location and a moment to celebrate as Stover opens up for everyone to appreciate and enjoy’.

Daphne Watts, Chair of Trustees, Friends of Stover Country Park, said: ‘The Restoring Stover Project has demonstrated what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared vision, and Friends of Stover Country Park are delighted to have been part of the Project.

‘The Friends will continue to do all that we can to support this special place’.

Michelle Lewis-Clarke, Town Clerk for Kingsteignton Town Council, said: ‘Kingsteignton Town Council was pleased to support the Restoring Stover Park Project through a financial contribution towards this important initiative. Stover Country Park is a much-valued natural space for our residents and the wider community, and this restoration will help protect its wildlife and heritage while improving facilities for visitors.

‘We encourage our community to take the opportunity to visit the park, enjoy the improvements, and make the most of this wonderful local resource’.

Celebrations continue this Sunday, March 8, with a free public event at Stover Country Park.

Everyone is welcome to drop in between 10am and 3pm to explore the improvements and enjoy family‑friendly activities.

For more information, email [email protected]