Wildlife 360 degrees around Seaton – learning more about Seaton’s spectacular natural environment

Throughout 2011 the Seaton Visitor Centre Trust, in partnership with East Devon District Council, has been running a programme of volunteer training and public events. Entitled ‘Wildlife 360 degrees around Seaton’ the project is funded by the National Lottery through its Big Lottery Fund.
The project aimed to bring together volunteers with a passion for wildlife and the outdoors, who may be interested in taking part in wildlife events, leading local guided walks or providing information for visitors to Seaton.

Seaton’s surrounding natural environment played host to a variety of training events; from the ‘off the beaten track’ habitats of the Undercliff National Nature Reserve, to the leafy canopies of Holyford Woods and the wild world of the Wetlands. Events were led by local wildlife experts and have supported volunteers in developing their knowledge of Seaton’s spectacular natural world.

The project also created opportunities for volunteers to learn practical conservation skills, such as hedge-laying, basic first aid, and risk assessment skills, all necessary for group leadership in the outdoors. A morning of drawing and sketching wildlife on the Axe Estuary was an opportunity for volunteers to exercise their creative skills and view the natural world from a perspective of minute detail.


During late summer and early autumn the final part of the project will spring into action. Throughout August, September and October volunteers from the group are invited to support local wildlife events, contributing their time talking to visitors on local nature reserves or assisting with guided walks and other activities.

Volunteering time towards wildlife conservation tasks can be hugely satisfying, and it can also teach you new skills that are of interest to potential employers, boosting your career prospects. Indeed, after taking part in a hedgelaying training day, one member of the group gained paid employment!

Volunteering can be a means of discovering a new hobby or interest and be a great opportunity to share knowledge and skills with others. Being involved in your local community is a great way to meet people and make new friends.



[Meg Knowles is Assistant Education Ranger with East Devon District Council]