Seaton Wetlands Visitor Numbers Continue to Soar
East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team is celebrating another exceptional year at Seaton Wetlands, following a record-breaking rise in visitor numbers during 2025. The award-winning nature reserve welcomed an impressive 124,850 visitors - an 11% increase on 2024’s previous record and well above the projected figure of 120,000.
The continued growth has been driven by a combination of favourable weather, a popular programme of events, and national exposure through a visit from BBC’s Countryfile. Strong partnerships have also played a key role, with 11% of visitors, almost 14,000 people, arriving via Seaton Tramway. Since the installation of the Tram Halt in 2022, the collaboration has demonstrated the powerful impact that working with local organisations can have for both the community and the local economy.
These outstanding figures provide further encouragement as the Countryside Team looks ahead to securing funding for its new Wild About Seaton project. Realising the potential of land acquired in 2024, the initiative aims to bring the benefits of the wetlands even closer into Seaton town itself through habitat creation, improved infrastructure, and enhanced community connections.
Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said: “I am incredibly proud of the Countryside Team and the outstanding numbers of people they are welcoming to Seaton Wetlands. These figures exemplify just how important it is to continue growing the site and to help channel this footfall into Seaton town itself. A key aim of the new project is to work closely with local charities and businesses, bringing the community together with the wetlands at its heart, while preserving our local wildlife for generations to come.”
Countryside Manager James Chubb added: “These results give our team even greater drive and determination to ensure Seaton and East Devon continue to benefit from a truly spectacular place to visit, whether you are a local resident or a holidaymaker. They also reinforce our belief that the Wild About Seaton project will deliver lasting positive impacts for both nature and the local community. I am extremely proud of how much the site has grown over the past 20 years, and we are excited about what the future holds for the wetlands and for Seaton.”
To find out more about Seaton Wetlands, visit the Wild East Devon website. Further details on the Wild About Seaton Masterplan are also available online, where residents and visitors are encouraged to share their views on the project.