Devon, England

Seaton Wetlands. Nature up close.

Nestled between Colyford and Seaton, this reserve offers unrivalled views of the Axe estuary and up-close experiences of nature that will inspire the whole family.  Often described as ‘the best nature reserve in Devon’ and more recently the runner up in the 2019 Countryfile Magazine Awards, this wild space has it all.

Owned and managed by the Wild East Devon wing of East Devon District Council, the reserve has developed over the last 10 years to become a nationally important visitor attraction. Beautiful marshland, reedbeds, ponds, lagoons and a stream are all free for all to explore and enjoy. With over 5 km of walking and cycling routes on flat surfaced paths and access to 5 bird hides, 4 of which are accessible by wheelchair and push chair.

So whether you like bird watching, cycling, pond dipping or walking this area offers a unique chance to intimately experience Devon’s nature. You may glimpse a kingfisher one day, a grass snake the next, or a wealth of wading birds that call this wetlands area their home.

From Saturday to Monday a dedicated group of volunteers open up the Discovery Hut in the heart of Seaton Wetlands; an interactive experience where you can find out more, ask for top tips, hire pond dipping or bug hunting kit, relax with a drink or ice cream and view Estuary Mullet and Harvest Mice up-close.

General accessibility information

The Wetlands leads in visitor accessibility and offers a range of tools to enhance your visit, such as a large-print guide, an online visual guide, a virtual BSL signed video tour, sound posts, and an off-road mobility scooter which is available for hire in advance. This is part of the Countryside Mobility scheme. www.countrysidemobility.org

Toilets and picnic areas are all available.

Disabled parking

Free parking (suggested donation £1), toilets and picnic areas are all available.

Assistance dogs allowed

Please note that we welcome registered assistance dogs but ask that visitors do not bring all other dogs due to the sensitive wildlife on site.

For visual guides, information on planning your visit, bringing a group or volunteering with the team go to www.wildeastdevon.co.uk

All photos are courtesy of East Devon District Council.