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Department Rolls Up Sleeves for Nature Recovery

Friday, 20 February 2026 14:00

By Julie Green

East Devon District Councils Countryside Team recently hosted a highly successful practical conservation day at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve.

East Devon District Councils Countryside Team recently hosted a highly successful practical conservation day at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve, bringing together colleagues from across the Countryside Environment & Ecology service area in a strong demonstration of collaboration and shared purpose.

The event welcomed Councillor Richard Jefferies and Assistant Director Charlie Powden, along with representatives from South East Devon Wildlife, the EDDC Trees Team, Council Ecologists, the Green Infrastructure Team and colleagues from East Devon National Landscape.

Hedge-laying Masterclass with Nature reserve Ranger Ben
 
Despite wet and challenging conditions, 25 team members took part in a packed programme of habitat management activities, including a hedge-laying masterclass, coppicing and controlled burning. The group delivered work equivalent to approximately £1,000 in contractual value - an impressive contribution to the ongoing management and enhancement of this important local nature reserve.
The day was organised not only to undertake practical conservation work, but also to strengthen connections across teams and promote the Councils “One Team East Devon” approach. This initiative champions a supportive and collaborative culture, where colleagues feel connected and valued, working together to deliver the best outcomes for the communities and landscapes they serve.
Seaton Wetlands provided the ideal setting for the initiative, enabling participants to contribute directly to habitat management while reinforcing their shared commitment to protecting and enhancing East Devon's natural environment.

 

Cllr Richard Jefferies and team coppicing

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said: “This practical team day at one of East Devon’s most remarkable nature reserves was invaluable for our development as a department. We all share a deep commitment to protecting our green spaces and supporting our local communities, and for some colleagues who aren’t often able to take part in hands on conservation work, this was a particularly meaningful opportunity. It allowed us to make a real, practical contribution while strengthening relationships across the team, united by our shared goal of keeping the natural environment at the heart of everything we do.”

 

Countryside Manager James Chubb added: “I am incredibly grateful to my team and everyone who contributed to the day, from those who coordinated the event to the individuals working in the rain and ankle-deep mud. The results were twofold: the sheer volume of work completed was remarkable and would likely have taken many weeks to achieve through our usual volunteer programme, and the opportunity for colleagues to connect across the wider department was also invaluable. It was a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work together. And the hot drinks and biscuits at the end were certainly well earned.”

To learn more about the work of the East Devon Countryside Team or to find out how to get involved, please visit the Wild East Devon website.

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