A NEW initiative to encourage cycling at a popular Teignbridge park has been launched.

The programme at Stover Country Park has been put together by Active Devon and Restoring Stover Park with the aim of providing a range of opportunities.

Both organisations have been working in close partnership to bring the new project, which will include adult cycle confidence sessions and practical bike maintenance opportunities, to the heart of Stover Country Park near Newton Abbot.

As part of the project’s wider community engagement programme, the collaboration is helping local people enjoy the park in new and more active ways.

Restoring Stover Park is a three‑year project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Devon County Council, and other funders, running until March 2026.

Its focus has been the restoration of both the natural and built heritage within Stover Country Park an area rich in wildlife, historic features, and cultural value.

Now, through a major capital programme and an extensive community engagement strategy, the project has brought together a range of organisational and community partners to help protect the landscape for the future.

Talking about the impact of the Active Devon collaboration so far, Eve Malster, Community Engagement Officer at Restoring Stover Park said:

‘We are delighted that Active Devon became involved as a project partner.

‘Our work has been very productive and Stover Country Park now has three bikes and helmets available for free use during adult cycling confidence sessions, which run once a month at Stover.

‘Dr Bike sessions are also starting monthly from our new Community workshop, offering residents free cycle safety checks, minor repairs and the chance to learn more about maintaining their own bikes.’

Aaron Harverson, cycling champion at Active Devon, said: ‘This joined up approach between Active Devon and the park team is helping the local community make the best possible use of both new and existing cycling infrastructure at Stover.

‘By combining facilities, expertise, and shared goals, this partnership is ensuring that cycling can become more accessible, more visible, and more fun for people of all ages and abilities.

‘We are looking forward to enabling as many people as possible to join our Dr Bike and instructor led confidence sessions at Stover, which are running until July 2026, encouraging everyone to be active in nature, supporting their positive wellbeing and physical health.’

Eve added: ‘The sessions aim to help people build skills, reconnect with cycling, and enjoy active travel in a safe, supportive environment, whether they have cycled recently or need a confidence boost.

‘We are excited that the Active Devon team can continue to deliver cycling initiatives beyond the lifetime of the restoration programme for the local community, therefore ensuring a legacy to the Lottery project for many years to come.’

To find out more about the free adult cycling offered across Devon: https://activedevon.org/adult-cycle-training/