LAND at Seaton Marshes, that has recently been sold by Informal Tender, has been successfully purchased by East Devon District Council to extend the award-winning Nature Reserve Seaton Wetlands, located on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

The land consists of 18.16 acres (7.35 ha) of level permanent pastureland, sandwiched between Seaton town and the existing Wetlands, just to the west of the Axe Estuary.

Nearby are the popular visitor attractions of the Seaton Jurassic and Seaton Tramway.

As part of Seaton Marshes, the land has no public rights of way, but has two good access points. Known locally as Salt Plot and Church Plot. 

The land is significant archaeologically and environmentally and has been owned by generations of a local farming family and used for grazing livestock.

EDDC Countryside Manager, James Chubb said: "This purchase completes EDDC’s ownership of the Marshes at the southern end of the estuary. It will allow us to more easily work with our grazier to farm the lower Axe Estuary and maintain the mosaic of wetlands habitats in prime condition. By providing access to the Marshes and Wetlands from the town centre, we are encouraging visitors to visit the town and contribute to the town’s economy.”