Description
Stover Country Park is North West of Newton Abbot. The park (114 acres) , run and managed by Devon County Council, comprises of a lake (approx 10 acres) with marshland surrounded by woodland/grassland and heathland. It has a car park (fee payable), visitor center with public toilets, a bird hide and unusually an aerial walkway (see STAR on map) that takes you through the lower canopy. It became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1984 and became a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in 2001,. The 18 mile long distance Templer Way footpath (Haytor to Shaldon) runs through the park, as does a cycle path (cyclists please keep to this path only). Dogs are allowed in the park BUT MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AROUND THE LAKE AND WATERWAYS to stop disturbance of waterbirds. For an inland site it has a very large list of bird species, some seen in the past are Darázsölyv, Erdei cankó, Sarki búvár, Barkóscinege, Ezüstlile, Szürke cankó, Kis fakopáncs, Kis póling and Kis bukó. It is probably best known for the regular sightings of Lappantyú, Berki poszáta, Nagy bukó and Erdei pityer.
Details
Access
The A38 (Devon Expressway) between Exeter (to the East) and Plymouth (to the West) passes directly pass the park,. Turn off the A38 towards Newton Abbot on the A382 (also called Bovey Road) and look for sign to Stover Country Park on the left.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Wetland , Moors/heathland , River , Lake , ReedbedsConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring , Autumn , Autumn migration , Spring migration , WinterRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
There are numerous other paths to explore other than the basic route marked on the map.
