Stover Country Park…woods, marshes and lakes.
Nature Reserve, Newton Abbot nr Torquay,Devon.
The path through the tall trees from the parking area to the lake promises treats ahead for nature lovers.
The large, glimmering lake was full of Mallard Ducks, Swans, Coots and Moorhens
The ducklings were stretching and flapping their wings.
To my delight there was also a Great Crested Grebe family. The male was diving for fish in the middle of the lake. It dived for cover when two children came screeching along, but I was lucky to see the female half hidden beneath a branch in the distance.
Getting closer I saw she had two chicks. One swam beside her and the other rode on her back.
The adult Grebes were in their summer plumage of head and neck crests. The little grebes had black and white striped plumage.
The RSPB was set up to protect these birds which were almost driven to extinction due to the fashion of wearing their feathers.
Further along I saw these Common Darter Dragonflies on the decking overlooking the dragonfly pond and the grasses.
Larger green dragonflies raced past overhead and smaller turquoise damselflies flitted to and fro above the water.
Grass Hoppers were everywhere tucked under blades of grass. You have to look hard to find them.
Butterflies were fewer than I expected, but I did see this lovely, rich yellow, Brimstone from which the name butter…fly comes.
This Grey Heron stood motionless in the water and to my surprise as I watched the heron, a kingfisher shot past. A flash of brilliant colour.
Beautiful views of woodland, marshes, and grassland can be seen in all directions along the lake pathway. You come away from the nature reserve feeling lighter somehow.
There are areas of tranquility, although harder to find in the children’s summer holidays. Best visited in Spring and Autumn when its quieter if that’s what you enjoy on a nature stroll.
Oh, and the nature poetry of Ted Hughes can be spotted on wooden posts all around the lake.
devon2mother 