Tesco grant will help create nature-themed play trail in Seaton Wetlands
A scheme to open people’s eyes to the wonders of Seaton Wetlands has received a £4,000 grant from Tesco.
The Tesco Bags of Help funding has been given to East Devon District Council, which was inspired to bid for the funds to create a trail that encourages people to spend more time outdoors.
It means the council can build wooden animal sculptures for children to climb on, install magnifier posts for looking closely at bugs and leaves, and add sculpted seating so that people can relax.
Cllr Geoff Jung, portfolio holder for the environment at East Devon District Council, said: “We’re very grateful to Tesco for this grant. The Seaton Wetlands Nature Play Trail will benefit thousands of people.
“All points along the trail will be located on the main footpaths, with people being able to repeat activities many times on successive visits.
“The experience will be different each time – depending on the seasons, the members of the group taking part, the weather conditions and an individual’s imagination on the day.
“We hope it will improve people’s health and wellbeing, provide opportunities for quality time spent together with friends and family, and promote engagement with local green spaces and a broad understanding of wildlife.”
East Devon District Council is one of three community organisations and charities in the area to benefit from the Bags of Help coastal funding. Organisation Cetacea received £2,000 to teach children the skills to protect coastal wildlife, while Sidmouth Science Festival was given £1,000.
Bags of Help, which has been running for four years in collaboration with the charity Groundwork,sees funding awarded to thousands of local community projects every year.
Rhodri Evans, Tesco’s Communications Manager for the South West, said: “We are very proud of the impact Bags of Help has had in communities across Britain. The funding scheme responds to the needs of local communities, which is why in Plymouth we listened to colleagues and customers and decided to dedicate a round to groups and charities improving and preserving our wonderful coastlines.”
Bags of Help has provided more than £80million to more than 27,000 community projects across the UK.
Customers cast their Bags of Help votes for various good causes by using blue tokens handed out at checkout points in their local store.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, said: “Bags of Help continues to enable local communities up and down Britain to improve their local spaces and the places that matter to them. We’re pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to groups enjoying, protecting and improving Britain’s coastlines.”
Further information is available at www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp
