Nature reserve is recognised as a quality space with excellent visitor facilities

Seaton Wetlands nature reserve has again collected a Green Flag Award - the mark of a quality park or green space.

The flag is a sign to the public that these spaces boast the highest possible environmental standards, are beautifully maintained and have excellent visitor facilities.

Seaton Wetlands was BBC Countryfile Magazine's 2019 runner up in the Best Nature Reserve in the UK category.

It is a network of wetland habitats restored and created by East Devon District Council's countryside team, designed to bring wildlife and people together.

The reserve welcomes around 60,000 visitors every year and, thanks to the network of footpaths, boardwalks and bird hides, provides intimate wildlife experiences for all.

A recent species reintroduction project, working in partnership with the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, has seen the successful return of water voles to the wetlands and surrounding landscape, a species, which had disappeared from East Devon by the early 1990s.

A spokesman for EDDC said the authority knew just how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and that this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining these sites to such a high standard. The spokesman said the authority is extremely proud to have three such prestigious green flag open spaces - Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth and Manor Gardens, Exmouth - for people to enjoy and is immensely grateful to its hardworking staff and volunteers for their 'unstinting efforts'.

Cllr Geoff Jung, EDDC's portfolio holder for the environment, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive these three Green Flag Awards from Keep Britain Tidy for Connaught Gardens, Manor Gardens and Seaton Wetlands. East Devon is very proud of its open spaces and its hardworking staff and wonderful volunteers. Not only do these awards recognise and highlight that people in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Seaton are benefitting from these green spaces of the very highest quality but also benefits the many visitors who visit our beautiful area."

The Green Flag Awards Scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.