A new vision to put Seaton’s unique natural environment at the heart of the town’s identity and future has been formally adopted by East Devon District Council’s Cabinet
The Natural Seaton Interpretation Masterplan [Natural Seaton Masterplan], created by Devon-based environmental consultant Dominic Acland, was shaped through close collaboration with key partners including Natural England, Devon County Council, and Seaton Tramway. Commissioned by East Devon District Council, it sets out a joined-up approach to showcasing Seaton’s incredible natural and cultural assets, helping the town strengthen community connections, attract visitors, and support long-term regeneration.
Seaton already benefits from a rich mix of natural and heritage projects – from the award-winning Seaton Wetlands, which attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, to the South West Coast Path and nearby sites such as Beer Quarry Caves and the Undercliffs National Nature Reserve. Until now, however, efforts to celebrate and promote these treasures have often been fragmented.
The Masterplan aims to bring these strands together into one shared story – a blueprint to inspire residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Cllr Richard Jefferies, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment - Nature and Climate, said:
“Seaton is surrounded by a wealth of incredible natural spectacles and special places, and this document pulls them together into a starting point for bringing them to life for the town, its businesses, and its community.”
Cllr Paul Arnott, Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
“Since the opening of the Wetlands Tram Halt we’ve seen how powerful the draw of the natural world is, with more people stopping to enjoy what Seaton has to offer. This plan goes further, helping businesses market themselves as gateways to the town’s remarkable wild places and exploring how even harder-to-reach sites like the Undercliffs or Lyme Bay Reefs can be brought to life through interpretation and storytelling.”
The Natural Seaton Masterplan is designed to capture the enthusiasm of local stakeholders and provide a clear route forward for projects that make Seaton’s natural and cultural heritage more visible, accessible, and valued. It will act as a unifying framework for action, ensuring that Seaton’s most distinctive asset – its natural world – plays a central role in shaping its future.
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