The Stover Canal

An Open Weekend at the Stover Canal proved to be a real eye-opener! The Stover Canal Society was formed in 1999 and is dedicated to restoring the canal as a living monument for all to enjoy. With the permission of Network Rail and Sibelco (formerly Watts Blake and Bearne) ball clay works, the debris of 70 years of neglect is being removed from the canal. The work is undertaken by regular volunteer working parties, taking care to preserve existing habitats and developing new ones in areas that have been cleared. The Stover Canal was built by James Templer who saw an opportunity to transport ball clay from the Bovey Basin to Teignmouth Docks. Granite was transported from the Haytor Quarries on Dartmoor. Lignite, iron ore and pottery from Bovey Tracey was also transported down the canal. The canal itself is 2 miles long over its entire length rising 19'3" through 5 locks. More information can be obtained from http://www.stovercanal.co.uk/ The Society slogan reads - "Built by our Grandfathers. Preserved for our Grandchildren". A worthy cause indeed.