Council expands award-winning nature reserve

Councillors including Paul Arnott, James Chubb, Marcus Hartnell, Geoff Jung and Dan Ledger supported the purchase

An award-winning nature reserve is set to expand in Devon after more land was acquired by the council.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) said it bought 18 acres (7 hectares) of land at Seaton Marshes, lying to the west of the estuary, to expand Seaton Wetlands.

The council said it would form a natural entry point to Seaton Wetlands, once habitat and infrastructure projects were complete.

Lead councillor Paul Arnott said: "Acquiring this land allows us to showcase more wetland conservation work at our award-winning local nature reserve."

'Develop the vision'

EDDC countryside manager James Chubb said the purchase was "funded mainly from the capital receipt of the sale of the Jurassic Discovery site".

Mr Arnott said public access and education would be at the forefront of the project.

The land was historically two areas, known locally as Salt Plot and Church Plot, Mr Chubb said.

He said the land came on the market "unexpectedly" but the council moved quickly to "ensure it could benefit from this exciting opportunity".

Mr Chubb said the purchase completes EDDC’s ownership of the marshes at the southern end of the estuary.

"By providing access to the marshes and wetlands from the town centre, we are encouraging visitors to visit the town and contribute to the town’s economy, as well as providing easier access by public transport," he said.

"It will take time to develop the vision for this land and how it best links through from the town.

"This will be done in the coming months while we seek funding opportunities to carry out physical works to the site."

The council said the land was purchased for £205,750, with the majority of the funding coming from the sale of the Seaton Jurassic site.

It said a memorandum of understanding, acknowledging its initial investment in Seaton Jurassic, meant the funds needed to be put towards a project that would promote the town's natural heritage.