World Wetlands Day marked at Seaton Wetlands

The 1st Seaton Rainbows marked World Wetlands Day with an evening of bird watching and crafts at Seaton Wetlands recently.

Joined by East Devon District Council’s Education ranger Penny Evans, the youngsters learnt about the significance of the international day which is used to raise public awareness about the importance and value of wetland environments which help to control flooding, improve bio-diversity and promote health and wellbeing.

Penny said: "We love welcoming groups of young people to Seaton Wetlands. Throughout the year we run activities such as pond dipping, campfire cooking and curriculum based activities for schools and groups such as Rainbows and Guides. The 1st Seaton Rainbows were an enthusiastic and engaged group who enjoyed learning more about the wildlife found at their local nature reserve."

Gail Welsh, who leads the Rainbows group, said: "It’s great to have such a wealth of natural habitat on our doorstep in Seaton. This is the Rainbows second visit to the wetlands and the girls all really enjoyed the experience. This time we celebrated ‘World Wetlands Day' and learnt more about the birds found in a wetlands environment.

"Whatever the weather we love visiting Seaton Wetlands, it is so well laid out, clean and well organised. There is lots to do undercover as well as outdoors. I can't recommend the site highly enough and often visit with my own four children as well as with the Rainbows!"

Six- year-old Rainbow Evie Farrington added: "I like visiting the wetlands because you can learn new things and the names of birds which you did not know before. At Rainbows you can get badges for doing new activities like visiting new places and learning about wildlife."

The East Devon District Council Countryside Education rangers run sessions for all ages throughout the year. For more information visit wildeastdevon.co.uk, alternatively the team can be contacted by email at countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk or by calling 01395 517557.