District council chiefs have splashed £205,000 on 18 acres of land to extend the award-winning Seaton Wetlands nature reserve.
The plot at Seaton Marshes – to the west of the estuary – will provide town centre access and a ‘pivotal focal point’ to the acclaimed beauty spot.
It will form a ‘natural entry point’ to the wetlands once habitat and infrastructure projects are completed.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) moved quickly after the land came on the market ‘unexpectedly’.
The £205,750 purchase was made possible largely due to funding from the sale of the Seaton Jurassic site – cash earmarked to ‘promote the town’s remarkable natural heritage’.
EDDC leader Councillor Paul Arnott said: “Shifting the main Seaton Wetlands gateway to the south from the cemetery car park and into the town itself, will move the visitor focus and help our wider plans to develop the tourism offer in Seaton.
“Thanks to the Stop Line Way mixed user path, there is off-road access on foot or bike from the Long Stay car park all the way to the very north of Colyford Common.
“Combining this with the hugely popular new Wetlands Tram Halt makes for a really compelling visitor hotspot; a truly unique way to explore the countryside and see some fantastic landscape and wildlife.
“In 2024, EDDC made a Nature Recovery Declaration to prioritise our biodiversity conservation work and ensure that East Devon is a rich and abundant natural landscape.
“Acquiring this land allows us to showcase more wetland conservation work at our award-winning local nature reserve. As ever, public access and education will be at the forefront of our work here.”
EDDC countryside manager James Chubb added: “The land was historically two areas, known locally as Salt Plot and Church Plot which are not only important for wildlife, but have archaeological significance too, so we will work with partners to ensure that these fascinating stories of Seaton are brought to life. Our new initiatives will complement the history as well as the natural history of the marshes.
“This purchase was funded mainly from the capital receipt of the sale of the Jurassic Discovery site and completes EDDC’s ownership of the marshes at the southern end of the estuary.
“It will allow us to more easily work with our grazier to farm the lower Axe Estuary and maintain the mosaic of wetlands habitats in prime condition.
“EDDC agreed to ring-fence the capital receipt to invest in the natural environment and heritage assets in the locality of Seaton and this amazing opportunity will provide a real environmental legacy to the town.
“By providing access to the marshes and wetlands from the town centre, we are encouraging visitors to visit the town and contribute to the town’s economy, as well as providing easier access by public transport. It also provides future opportunities for further collaboration between Jurassic Discovery and the wetlands.
“The land came on the market unexpectedly, and EDDC moved quickly to ensure it could benefit from this exciting opportunity.
“It will take time to develop the vision for this land and how it best links through from the town.
“This will be done in the coming months while we seek funding opportunities to carry out physical works to the site.”
An EDDC spokesperson told East Devon News: “The land was purchased for £205,750, with the majority of the funding coming from the sale of the Seaton Jurassic site.
“A memorandum of understanding, acknowledging Devon County Council’s initial investment in Seaton Jurassic, directed the funds toward a project which would promote the town’s remarkable natural heritage.”
