Fun day brings families together at Seaton Wetlands

Action packed event with countryside activities proves a big hit with local children and parents

Five Sidmouth families recently spent an action packed afternoon at East Devon’s  wonderful Seaton Wetlands nature reserve, enjoying a range of fun outdoor activities organised by the council’s Countryside and Community Development services.

The children and families paddled in the stream, looking for fish and freshwater animals, cooked homemade bread on a pit fire, toasted marshmallows and explored the amazing Wetlands. Everyone was in great spirits and the families had tremendous fun interacting with the environment.

Councillor Jill Elson, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities, said:

“I am so pleased that our Community Development team is forging such an excellent working relationship with Sidmouth Primary School and Early Help Parent Support workers. These outdoor events are an excellent way of encouraging parents to take their children outside to enjoy healthy activities and my thanks go to Aaron Clark for his hard work and the amazing Penny Evans for sharing her expertise with everyone.”

East Devon District Council’s Countryside Education Ranger Penny Evans, said: “The families were totally engaged in the activities we ran. It was lovely to see everyone spending time together and enjoying the afternoon in the outdoors, discovering wildlife in the stream and cooking over the campfire – a really successful event.”

Aaron Clark, East Devon District Council’s Community Development Worker, said: “It is important to bring together children and their parents through fun filled and positive events like this. Supporting the families of Sidmouth is something we really like to do at Community Development and we hope to run a similar event in the Spring of next year. It was a great afternoon, giving parents and their children time to experience the outdoors together.”

Sidmouth Families Support Advisor Tracey Tipton, said: “The trip was really fantastic and a great success, enjoyed by all the parents and children alike. Everyone had a brilliant time even when they got wet in the stream. Thank you to Aaron and Penny for facilitating the afternoon.”