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Interactive art trail explores life by the sea

The University of Exeter A general view of the Strand Inn pub. There is a red post box outside the pub. On the wall of the front of the pub there is a mural which says "Voices of the Exe Trail" with a blue arrow pointed at a painting of a woman surfing. There is a boat on the land in the painting and on the opposite side of the river a white church building. The pub says "The Strand" on it. The University of Exeter
A mural to celebrate the trail has been painted on the side of The Strand Inn pub in Exmouth

A new interactive art trail aims to tell the stories of Devon families with a strong connection to the sea.

The Voices of the Exe Trail, created by the University of Exeter's Resilience of Coastal Communities project, features 10 markers across Exmouth.

Each marker tells a different story and uses audio clips accessible by scanning a QR code.

A mural to celebrate the trail was designed and painted by Exmouth artist Gary "Garf" Cook on the side of The Strand Inn pub in the town.

The launch event for the trail will take place from 15:00 BST at Bumble and Bee in Exmouth's Manor Gardens.

The trail will be in place until October 2026 and it is wheelchair accessible, said organisers.

The University of Exeter A general view of a coastline behind a wooden fence. On the fence is a Voices of Exe Trail. It has writing on it and a piece of artwork and a QR code. Behind the fence is a sign about the Exe Estuary Trail. In the background is an estuary and hills. The University of Exeter
Each marker tells a different story and uses audio clips accessed by a QR code

Dr Louisa Evans, from the university, said: "Our coastal communities are vital for the UK's island identity but also hotspots of deprivation and at the forefront of risks from climate change.

"We spoke to families who represent the resilience of coastal communities, but these oral histories often get parked in a museum and forgotten."

The trail was a partnership with Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Exmouth Town Council and Mindfully Wired Communications.

It was funded by the Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources programme.

'Amazing impact'

The family of Debra Quine, who runs cafes in Exmouth, is one of those featured in the trail.

Ms Quine said: "I've met people in my cafes who have never seen the sea before and the look on their faces and the impact it has is amazing.

"I'm delighted to be part of the Voice of the Exe Trail and hope these stories give people an insight into what life by the water is like."

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