29 Oct 2026
HLF PR
Pictured (left to right) are James Chubb, EDDC Countryside Manager; Councillor Paul Arnott; Councillor Richard Jefferies; and Councillor Amrik Singh, Mayor of Seaton.

East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Wild About Seaton Wetland Connections project. Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to restore important wetland habitats, improve access to nature, celebrate local heritage, and create stronger connections between Seaton’s wildlife, natural history and visitor attractions.

Development funding of £250,000 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help East Devon District Council work up plans and apply for a full National Lottery grant of £2 million at a later date. If successful, the project will deliver a transformative programme of habitat creation, access improvements, heritage interpretation and community engagement centred on Seaton Wetlands and the wider Axe Estuary, but importantly bringing the entrance to the reserve into the town itself.

Seaton is home to some of East Devon’s most remarkable natural and cultural heritage. The Axe Estuary, Seaton Wetlands, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve and Seaton’s rich historical collections together tell a story spanning millions of years. Seaton Wetlands itself is an award-winning Local Nature Reserve that welcomes more than 120,000 visits each year and supports a wealth of wildlife, including Avocets, Ospreys, Water Voles and breeding wetland birds. Without investment, opportunities to restore habitats, improve accessibility, and better connect these important heritage assets could be lost.

The development funding will allow detailed plans to be prepared for approximately 22 hectares of new and restored wetland habitat, including around 10 hectares of intertidal saltmarsh and 12 hectares of freshwater grazing marsh. The project also proposes a new accessible gateway to Seaton Wetlands near the town’s main car and coach park, a visitor welcome hub, new boardwalks and paths, and the creation of the Wild About Seaton Trail linking the wetlands with Seaton Tramway, Seaton Museum, Axmouth Harbour, Seaton Beach, the Jurassic Coast and other local attractions.

The project reflects the Heritage Fund’s investment principles by helping to save and strengthen nationally important wetland habitats, supporting climate resilience and nature recovery, widening participation through improved accessibility and community programmes, and building long-term organisational resilience through partnership working, volunteering, skills development and support.

Volunteers, community groups, schools and local organisations will help shape the project as plans develop. The project also aims to create training opportunities, new volunteering roles and paid trainee placements to help more people engage with and care for Seaton’s heritage.

Councillor Paul Arnott, the Leader of EDDC and the Deputy Leader of DCC said:

"We're thrilled that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has backed our vision for Wild About Seaton. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now take the next step towards creating a project that brings together nature, heritage and people, helping more residents and visitors discover and enjoy everything that makes Seaton so special."

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, added: “Seaton Wetlands is one of East Devon's greatest conservation success stories, and that's down to years of dedication from our Countryside Team, volunteers and partners. This funding is a fantastic endorsement of everything they have achieved and gives us the opportunity to develop ambitious plans for the next chapter of this remarkable reserve. We're grateful to National Lottery players for making that possible.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "Seaton's wetlands are a haven for wildlife and are an important part of what makes this area so special. We're delighted to support East Devon District Council as it develops plans for its Wild in Seaton project, helping to connect more people with the area's remarkable natural heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will protect, enhance and share Seaton’s Wetlands with local communities and visitors, ensuring these valuable habitats can be enjoyed for generations to come. We look forward to working with the team as they progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.”

Residents can follow the project’s progress at Wild East Devon and help shape future proposals as development work continues.