18 Jun 2025
Countryfile at Seaton Wetlands

The Countryside Team recently hosted the BBC’s Countryfile team at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve for two days of filming.

Presenters Sammi Kinghorn and Matt Baker visited the council-owned and managed reserve to learn about its biodiversity and the important conservation work taking place. The episode, which also features footage from Seaton Tramway and Beer Beach, is scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday 22 June at 5:25pm on BBC1.

This visit follows Countryfile’s previous coverage in 2013, which focused on the installation of the man-made sand martin nesting cliff. Since then, the sand martin cliff was first used in 2023 with 10 nests, increasing to 38 in 2024, and an impressive 148 pairs have been recorded this year – evidence of remarkable growth of the colony! During the filming, presenters witnessed conservationists ringing sand martin chicks and learned more about the reserve’s management, including bat box monitoring and community engagement initiatives.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Nature and Climate, said: “Seaton Wetlands is a truly special place, rich in wildlife, vital for community wellbeing, and important to our local economy. We’re delighted that BBC Countryfile chose to showcase the reserve, highlighting both its natural beauty and our ongoing efforts to promote conservation and ensure access to nature for everyone. A big thank you to the Countryside team and their dedicated volunteers for maintaining such a fantastic reserve. We look forward to welcoming new visitors who discover the sites significance following the programmes broadcast. Go sand martins!”

James Chubb, Countryside Manager, added: “It was a pleasure to host the Countryfile team for two days of filming at Seaton Wetlands. We’re always exploring new ways to connect people with nature, and the sand martin cliff is a great example of our innovative approach. It was great to see the episode go live and to share the conservation successes and year-round opportunities that help bring people closer to the natural world.”

The Seaton Wetlands episode of Countryfile will be broadcast on Sunday 22 June at 5:25pm on BBC1.

To find out more about Seaton Wetlands and other reserves managed by East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team, visit: wildeastdevon.co.uk