£250,000 awarded to develop plans for new wetland habitat in Seaton
Lottery money will help prepare a bid for a further £2 million
Plans to restore wetland habitats and improve access to nature in Seaton have been given £250,000 of National Lottery funding.
East Devon District Council's Countryside Team has received the development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Wild About Seaton Wetland Connections project.
The money will help the council work up detailed plans and apply for a full National Lottery grant of £2 million at a later date.
The project is centred on Seaton Wetlands and the wider Axe Estuary.
It would also bring the entrance to the reserve into the town itself.
How the funding process works
Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds.
The project has been granted round one development funding of £250,000.
Detailed proposals will then be considered by the Heritage Fund at a second round, where a final decision will be made on the full funding award of a further £2 million.
What is being planned
The council says the development funding will allow detailed plans to be prepared for about 22 hectares of new and restored wetland habitat.
That includes 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
- The Wild About Seaton Trail, linking the wetlands with Seaton Tramway, Seaton Museum, Axmouth Harbour, Seaton Beach, the Jurassic Coast and other local attractions
If the full bid is successful, the council says the project will deliver habitat creation, access improvements, heritage interpretation and community engagement.
About Seaton Wetlands
The council says Seaton Wetlands is an award-winning Local Nature Reserve that welcomes more than 120,000 visits each year.
It says the reserve supports wildlife including avocets, ospreys, water voles and breeding wetland birds.
The council says the Axe Estuary, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve and Seaton's historical collections together tell a story spanning millions of years.
It says that without investment, opportunities to restore habitats, improve accessibility and better connect these heritage assets could be lost.
Community involvement
Volunteers, community groups, schools and local organisations will help shape the project as plans develop.
The council says the project also aims to create training opportunities, new volunteering roles and paid trainee placements.
People can follow the project's progress and help shape future proposals as development work continues.
What they said
Councillor Paul Arnott, leader of East Devon District Council, 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 and climate, said:
"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 and 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."