Celebrating a Successful Summer of Wild East Devon Events

The East Devon District Council (EDDC) Countryside team is delighted to be celebrating a successful summer of events across the district.

This summer, the team, alongside partner organisations, delivered a varied and engaging events programme that included sell-out bat walks, canoe safaris, bat box building, children’s holiday clubs and other family events. The Wild East Devon events programme is designed to encourage local residents and visitors to spend time outdoors and to learn about the unique East Devon landscape and its diverse wildlife.

Penny Evans, Education Ranger, led the children's events programme, which aims to install a love for the outdoors in the next generation. 

Countryside Manager, James Chubb, shared his enthusiasm: "The varied Wild East Devon events programme provides people of all ages the chance to explore and connect with our natural environment. We were thrilled to see such a positive response, especially to our sell-out week-long holiday club, which inspired young people to nurture and care for the natural world. Our bat and nightjar walks were also a big hit, offering participants the opportunity to encounter these special creatures and learn more about them from our expert rangers."

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country, and Environment, praised the programme: "The Countryside team’s events are a fantastic way for residents and visitors to discover more about our remarkable countryside and the conservation efforts undertaken by the team and their volunteers throughout the year to protect our local nature reserves and the wildlife we share it with."

Assistant Ranger Ben Morgan-Brown led a series of Bat Walks at Seaton Wetlands, where attendees enjoyed watching these fascinating creatures and listening to their calls using bat detectors. Ten species of bat were heard on the walks, including the rare Greater and Lesser Horseshoe species. 

Local resident Pippa Lea, who attended a bat walk with friends, shared her experience: "I learned so much on the bat walk, and the children in the group had a wonderful time. The walk sparked a real interest in them for these elusive creatures. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Wild East Devon website for similar experiences throughout the year."

As summer draws to a close, the Countryside team is busy preparing for the Wild East Devon autumn and winter events programme. Upcoming activities include family apple pressing, autumn crafts, and bird box making.

Stay updated on upcoming events by following @WildEastDevon on social media and visiting their website.