Countryside Team Welcomes Strong Start to Spring

The East Devon District Council Countryside team is celebrating a successful start to the spring season, with record-breaking visitor numbers at Seaton Wetlands and a programme of sold-out events.

During the Easter school holidays, Seaton Wetlands welcomed 8108 visitors - a 10% increase compared to 2024 - with nearly 2,000 arriving over the Easter weekend alone.

One of the highlights was the Easter Trail, which ran throughout the holidays and attracted more than 280 children, who explored the reserve in search of signs of spring.

Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder, Coast, Country and Environment, said: “The Countryside team and our volunteers work year-around to provide a space for wildlife to thrive and for residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy time spent in nature. It’s fantastic to see rising visitor numbers each year, and even more rewarding to know that this growth is happening alongside a thriving natural environment.”

Countryside Manager, James Chubb said: “We’re thrilled to have kicked off the spring season off on such a positive note. With the Discovery Hut open daily during the school holidays and visitors being treated to close-up views of sand martins and kestrels via our nest cams, as well as an exciting events programmes, it’s no surprise we’ve seen record attendance. We’re committed to managing the reserve in a way that supports both wildlife and visitor experience going forward.”

In addition to the Easter Trail, the team delivered a variety of family-friendly activities including ‘Guide in the Hide for Kids’ and ‘Spring Crafts’, as well as adult workshops like spoon carving and willow weaving, many of which were fully booked.

To explore the Countryside Team’s full Wild East Devon events programme, visit: wildeastdevon.co.uk