A council has partnered with a charity to tackle loneliness.
The East Devon District Council (EDDC) Countryside Team has joined forces with Age UK Devon to offer fortnightly sessions aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation among older adults.
The Seaton Wetlands Activity Club, a joint initiative by EDDC and Age UK, provides a variety of outdoor activities for residents over 50 at the Seaton Wetlands nature reserve.
The sessions, led by the Countryside Team's education ranger, Penny Evans, and supported by Age UK Devon volunteers, take place every other Friday from 10.30am to 12pm.
Activities have included bird watching, a bat walk, campfire cooking, creative activities using natural materials, and a dawn chorus walk.
These are always followed by tea, biscuits, and conversation.
As autumn approaches, the sessions will include autumn and Christmas craft workshops, alongside the popular campfire cooking.
Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC’s portfolio holder for coast, country, and environment, said: "The Countryside Team’s work with Age UK Devon highlights the Council’s commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of our residents.
"The Seaton Wetlands Activity Club is a fantastic initiative that encourages older individuals to connect with nature and each other at Seaton Wetlands, our award-winning nature reserve: a site which we take great pride in."
Pete Ferlie, active in later life manager at Age UK Devon, said: "We were very pleased to be working with the Countryside Team to deliver the Outdoor Activity group at Seaton Wetlands.
"These sessions offer older adults a chance to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and explore nature.
"Since the group's relaunch in early 2024, participants have built new friendships and even visited the site independently outside of the organised sessions, which supports Age UK’s goal of reducing loneliness and isolation."
The Age UK Devon and Seaton Wetlands Outdoor Activity group meets every other Friday at 10.30am at the Seaton Wetlands car park (unless otherwise advertised) until 12pm.
Sessions are £3.50 per person, including refreshments.
No booking is required.
The next session is due to take place on Friday, October 18.
For more information, contact Age UK Devon at info@ageukdevon.org.uk or 0333 241 2340.
For more information about Wild East Devon, visit wildeastdevon.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here