The East Devon District Council (EDDC) Countryside team is celebrating a successful summer of Wild East Devon events.

The team, along with partner organisations, delivered a range of activities including bat walks, canoe safaris, bat box building, and children's holiday clubs.

The events are aimed at encouraging residents and visitors to spend time outdoors and learn about East Devon's landscape and wildlife.

Countryside manager, James Chubb, said: "The varied Wild East Devon events programme provides people of all ages the chance to explore and connect with our natural environment.

"We were thrilled to see such a positive response, especially to our sell-out week-long holiday club, which inspired young people to nurture and care for the natural world.

"Our bat and nightjar walks were also a big hit, offering participants the opportunity to encounter these special creatures and learn more about them from our expert rangers."

The children's events programme was led by education ranger Penny Evans, with the aim of instilling a love for the outdoors in the next generation.

EDDC's portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, councillor Geoff Jung, praised the programme.

He said: "The Countryside team’s events are a fantastic way for residents and visitors to discover more about our remarkable countryside and the conservation efforts undertaken by the team and their volunteers throughout the year to protect our local nature reserves and the wildlife we share it with."

Assistant ranger Ben Morgan-Brown led a series of bat walks at Seaton Wetlands, where attendees enjoyed watching these creatures and listening to their calls using bat detectors.

Ten species of bat were heard on the walks, including the rare Greater and Lesser Horseshoe species.

Resident Pippa Lea, who attended a bat walk with friends, said: "I learned so much on the bat walk, and the children in the group had a wonderful time.

"The walk sparked a real interest in them for these elusive creatures.

"I’ll be keeping an eye on the Wild East Devon website for similar experiences throughout the year."

As summer comes to an end, the Countryside team is preparing for the Wild East Devon autumn and winter events programme.

This will include family apple pressing, autumn crafts, and bird box making.

People can stay updated on upcoming events by following @WildEastDevon on social media and visiting their website.