Jurassic Discovery has been awarded £88,600 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the new project: ‘Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’. This project will connect Seaton’s rich natural and geological heritage, providing unique learning opportunities and encouraging environmental stewardship for residents and visitors alike.
Opening in 2024, Jurassic Discovery currently offers an exciting new animatronic Dinosaur Exhibition called ‘The Last Day of the Dinosaurs’ which is now home to dinosaurs purchased from the Natural History Museum, London. The new attraction also offers a dinosaur-themed Soft Play, and Café which opened in March last year. The building was purchased from East Devon District Council and is now operated by Seaton Tramway.
Jurassic Discovery will act as a gateway to an exciting visitor experience. By linking Seaton Tramway, the Jurassic Discovery Garden, and broader local attractions such as Seaton Wetlands and the River Axe, the project will deepen public engagement with Seaton’s Jurassic Coast story and promote conservation efforts.
Key highlights of the project include:
- Environmental Focus: Restoring and expanding the Jurassic Discovery Garden as a living exhibit that reflects prehistoric flora while serving as a vital habitat for wildlife.
- Engaging Education: Collaborating with local schools, colleges, and specialist organisations to provide learning opportunities focused on climate change, biodiversity, and conservation.
- Enhanced Accessibility: Developing sensory spaces and interactive installations to create an inclusive experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.
- Community Involvement: Creating new volunteering, apprenticeship, and citizen science opportunities to engage local people and promote hands-on involvement in conservation.
Jenny Nunn, CEO of Jurassic Discovery & Seaton Tramway, said:
“We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will enable us to preserve and enhance the incredible natural and geological heritage of Seaton while engaging our community in meaningful ways. The project reflects our commitment to education, conservation, and sustainability.”
The project, set to begin in January 2025, will run through until September 2026. It promises to position Seaton as a hub for heritage tourism while addressing key environmental challenges, such as climate change and biodiversity loss, through innovative interpretation and hands-on experiences.
In 2024, Jurassic Discovery received an incredible donation of over 1,500 individual fossils, enriching its collection with artefacts that span millions of years. A large selection of these fossils is being carefully curated for a brand-new public display set to open in February 2025. This generous donation will also form a key part of the funded project, contributing to new interpretation and learning opportunities at Jurassic Discovery. Visitors will have the chance to explore the specimens up close, deepening their understanding of the prehistoric world and Seaton’s unique connection to the Jurassic Coast.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. ‘Discovering Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’ is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For more information on the ‘Discover Seaton’s Jurassic Past and Present’ project or to get involved, please visit https://bit.ly/JurassicDiscoveryNLHF or contact us at [email protected]
