Seaton Wetlands Local Nature Reserve

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An Award-Winning Nature Reserve For All-Ages to Enjoy

Please note that Seaton Wetlands is a dog-free nature reserve

Explore the award winning Seaton Wetlands and enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe. There are five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks suitable for wheelchair, bike and pushchairs - with an all terrain mobility scooter available to hire.

Seaton Wetlands is a countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife.

The site is made up of four main areas: Seaton Marshes, Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh.

Black Hole Marsh 

Panoramic 360 degree views over the inter-tidal lagoon and Axe Estuary. Look out for wading birds, ducks and kingfishers. Remember to wave to the tram as it passes!

Black Hole Marsh (BHM) was bought by East Devon District Council in 2008. Following planning approval, we created a saline lagoon on what was previously a drained agricultural field, with little wildlife interest. Islands were created on a large shallow scrape. The Environment Agency worked with a local engineering company to devise an innovative self-regulating tidal exchange gate, allowing water of just the right salinity to enter the lagoon.

BHM attracts breeding oyster catchers and is now well populated with crustaceans and molluscs that support a wide range of wildfowl and waders. Birds seen regularly include dunlin, black tailed godwit and ringed plover.

Colyford Common

Walk to the peaceful bird hide and viewing platform and discover a circular route around the reedbeds.

Colyford Common is regularly flooded by high tides, and the salt-marsh has very unusual flora and fauna, supporting many locally rare and nationally important species. Little egrets fish in the creeks and lagoons on the estuary and large black and white shelduck can be seen grazing here. Wheatears flit across the common, and there is evidence of water vole in the reedbed close to the village.

The Colyford Common bird hide offers fantastic views across the upper reaches of the estuary and surrounding salt marsh. There is also a viewing platform further north which gives great views of waders and the site osprey nesting pole. 

Stafford Marsh

Enjoy a picnic in the heart of the wetlands.

Find out more about the site, hire pond dipping equipment and grab a coffee in the Discovery Hut. Open Friday - Monday 10am to 4pm (Spring/ Summer) and 11am - 3pm (Autumn/ Winter). Site toilets located here.

Directions to Seaton Wetlands

Seaton Wetlands is 6 miles west of Lyme Regis and 8 miles east of Sidmouth, between Colyford and Seaton.

Directions to the main car park: In the middle of Colyford village on the A3052 take the Seaton Road, following the brown signs labelled 'Seaton Wetlands'. After half a mile turn left into Seaton Cemetery, continue through to the Seaton Wetlands car park. Park here to access Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh. The nearest postcode is EX12 2SP.

The Countryside team ask for a suggested donation of £1 for car parking.

There is a multi-use path that connects Seaton Wetlands to Seaton Marshes and the town of Seaton.

We also have a Tram Halt at Seaton Wetlands located 300m from the main site via a boardwalk and viewing point. For ticket information, click here.

Seaton Marshes

A freshwater grazing marsh, with scrapes, ditches, the Borrow Pit Pond and a bird hide.

The area attracts considerable wildlife interest, from wildfowl and wading birds in the winter to dragonflies and butterflies in the summer. Otters have been spotted at the Borrow Pit Pond! The site is managed by the Countryside team on behalf of Axe Vale and District Conservation Society.  

There are exciting plans to expand this area of Seaton Wetlands. 

This part of the reserve is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. 

Direction to Seaton Marshes

Directions to Seaton Marshes: Continue past Seaton cemetery and take the left turn immediately after Seaton Football Club into Hillymead. Pass Axe Vale Static Caravan Park entrance on your left and park in the spaces opposite the water treatment plant. The nearest postcode is EX12 2DF. This part of the reserve can be easily accessed from Seaton via foot, using the footpath by the Underfleet play park. 

There is a multi-use path that connects Seaton Marshes to the main Seaton Wetlands site.

Plan Your Visit

Opening Hours

Open 24/7, year-round, with free entry. Donations are appreciated for parking and refreshments.

Facilities

• Car park
• Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities
• Five bird hides and pond-dipping platforms
• Discovery Hut (seasonal opening hours)
• Tramper mobility scooter for hire
• Picnic areas and classroom hire for events

Accessibility

Wheelchair and pushchair-friendly paths, accessible hides, and a Tramper scooter make Seaton Wetlands a welcoming destination for all.

Dogs

No dogs are allowed, except assistance dogs, to protect the wildlife.

Make Your Visit Memorable

Check the Discovery Hut or Lookout whiteboards for recent wildlife sightings. You’ll see different birds depending on the season.

For more information, contact wild@eastdevon.gov.uk.

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