Women’s Institute contribute to Seaton Wetlands

The Seaton Women’s Institute is marking its 100th year anniversary by donating a bench to  Seaton Wetlands. The bench has been crafted by East Devon District Council Countryside Rangers using wood sourced from Holyford Woods, a woodland managed by the East Devon District Council Countryside team in partnership with the Holyford Woodland Trust. 

The Seaton Wetlands is enjoyed by the members of the local WI group who want to encourage others to visit this local wildlife spot. Since the Stop Line Way cycle path was installed, the site has become accessible to those with limited mobility and even offers the hire of a mobility tramper, they hope the bench will encourage visitors to stop, sit, and take in wetlands.

The WI bench overlooks the wildflower garden which was planted by volunteers in the new ‘Wildlife Garden’ behind the pond dipping shelter. The wild flower seeds were kindly donated by Goren Farm and is maintained by a group of volunteers.

Countryside Team Leader, Tim Dafforn said: ‘’We are so grateful to the WI for their kind donation. The bench is a great addition to the wildflower garden at Seaton Wetlands and provides the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic. At the moment the bench is surrounded by an amazing display of wild flowers, so come and visit soon!’’

President of the Seaton WI Denise England said: ‘’As a group it is always nice to support something locally. We all enjoy the Seaton Wetlands whether for walking, wildlife spotting or as a place to take visitors for the range of events the Countryside team put on. We’re delighted to see our bench installed and think the Countryside Rangers have created something very fitting with the Seaton Wetlands environment.’’                                                                                                                                                                                             

Those interested in finding out more about the Seaton Wetlands can visit eastdevoncountryside.co.uk, or contact the Countryside team via email: countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk or telephone: 01395 517557.

Those interested in finding out more about the Seaton WI are encouraged to contact Margaret Nicholas via email: almanic@hotmail.co.uk