Discover Nature at Seaton Wetlands with a Family-Friendly BioBlitz Event

On Sunday, September 15, nature enthusiasts of all ages are invited to join the East Devon District Council (EDDC) Countryside team and the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society (AV&DCS) for an exciting BioBlitz event at Seaton Wetlands.

The event aims to record all species found in the wetlands in a single day, giving visitors a hands-on experience with wildlife surveying.

A BioBlitz provides a snapshot of the biodiversity found in a specific location.

Throughout the day, Countryside Rangers and AV&DCS volunteers will be available to guide participants in spotting, identifying, and recording wildlife.

The event will run from 10am-4pm, concluding with a special evening Bat Walk at 7.30 p.m.

Visitors will have the chance to try various surveying activities, including bug hunting, pond dipping, bird watching, and flower surveying, all aimed at cataloguing the wide array of species that can be found at Seaton Wetlands.

As discoveries are made, they will be displayed on a community board and recorded in iNaturalist, a free app that helps share and document biodiversity data.

This is a drop-in event, allowing people to participate at time that suits them. A full schedule of programmed activities is available at wildeastdevon.co.uk, including a moth trapping talk at 10am, guided flower walks at noon and 2pm, and the pre-bookable bat walk at 7.30pm.

At 11am and 2pm, one of the Countryside Rangers will be running a tutorial on how to use the iNaturalist app, helping attendees to log their sightings, and from 10am-4pm, visitors can borrow equipment for pond dipping, bug hunting, and stream dipping, as well as binoculars for bird watching at the Island Hide, where a knowledgeable "Guide in the Hide" will be available to assist.

The Discovery Hut will be open throughout the day, serving delicious scones from Paul’s Bakery in Seaton for a suggested donation of £3.50, supporting Seaton Wetlands' continued conservation efforts.

Most activities will wrap up at 4pm. with a discussion at the Discovery Hut, where a Countryside ranger will share the day's discoveries.

The event will officially close with a bat walk, a highlight in the summer calendar. Recent bat species recorded at Seaton Wetlands include Common Pipistrelle, Greater and Lesser Horseshoe, and Daubenton’s bats.

Spaces for the bat walk are limited and must be booked in advance via wildeastdevon.co.uk.

Cllr Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, said: "Seaton Wetlands is managed by East Devon District Council’s own Countryside team to provide a haven for wildlife.

"The BioBlitz offers a fantastic opportunity to explore and record the rich variety of species found here.

"This family-friendly event encourages residents of all ages to come and discover the incredible diversity of nature found right on their doorstep."

Countryside Team Leader, James Chubb, added: "We are thrilled to partner with the AV&DCS to host a BioBlitz at Seaton Wetlands.

"The drop-in format makes it easy for people to spend as much time as they like exploring the wetlands, whether it’s for an hour or the entire day. Our team and volunteers will be available to help participants make the most of this experience."

Chair of the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, Lesley Clarke said: "As a local charity committed to preserving our natural landscape and wildlife, the BioBlitz offers a fantastic chance to connect with the community.

"It's an opportunity to share our love for nature, inspire conservation efforts, and showcase the incredible diversity and importance of our local wildlife reserves."

As an added bonus, Seaton Tramway is offering a special Wetlands Express ticket for the day.

Adults can travel from Seaton to the wetlands and back for just £5, and children under 16 can travel for free, making it even easier to enjoy a day of nature exploration.

For the full schedule of events and to book your spot on the bat walk, visit wildeastdevon.co.uk