AN East Devon conservation area has been rated the best place to spot wildlife in the country by a top national travel magazine.
The Axe Estuary Wetlands near Seaton, which are managed by East Devon District Council, are featured in May's edition of Which? Travel.
Hilary Bradt from Seaton, who wrote the article, said: "Wildlife enthusiasts tend to focus on the bird life along the river estuaries. The wetlands are now the focus of the council's conservation efforts, which aim to encourage more visitors, both avian and human.
"The range of habitats includes a man-made lake and a network of boardwalks with five hides. Visitors can see a host of wading birds and perhaps rarities such as osprey. Otters and water voles are often seen, and a recent find was one of Britain's rarest mammals – the grey long-eared bat."