Sidmouth Nature | The Sidmouth Nature Project Website


Around the Town Cluster: Introduction What is "brownfield" in the context of Sidmouth's urban ecology? In Sidmouth's urban ecology, "brownfield" refers to sites that have been previously altered by human activity and intervention. Despite these past changes, these brownfield sites still contribute significantly to the town's overall ecological network. Examples in Sidmouth include the coastal areas like Jacob's Ladder and West Hill, which have undergone extensive landscaping, and even the town centre itself due to its history of human alteration. How does Sidmouth's coastal environment support biodiversity despite harsh conditions? Sidmouth's coastal areas, such as the Seafront and Jacob's Ladder, present very challenging conditions for plants, including nutrient-poor shingle, poor water retention, and high salt concentrations. However, biodiversity is supported by the presence of halophytes – specialist salt-tolerant plants. These resilient species have adapted with features like deep roots for stability in unstable ground and leathery or waxy leaves to minimise water loss, enabling them to thrive in this demanding environment. What is the purpose of the beach garden on Sidmouth's Seafront? The beach garden on Sidmouth's Seafront, established in 2013 by volunteers from Sidmouth in Bloom and the Devon Plant Heritage Group, is a naturally occurring yet lightly managed area. Its primary purpose is to protect and enhance the local community of beach plants. This includes reintroducing specialist plant species that are no longer present, thereby bolstering the unique flora adapted to the harsh coastal conditions. How has human intervention impacted the biodiversity of the Lower Sid river stretch? The Lower Sid stretch of the river has been significantly impacted by human intervention, primarily in the late 1700s, when its course was straightened, a weir was added, and its sides were fortified. These extensive alterations, which involved the addition of concrete walls and resulted in faster water flow, have created a largely hostile environment. Consequently, this section of the river is not conducive for the survival of most species, limiting its biodiversity. What are some examples of public green spaces in Sidmouth that blend recreational use with ecological value? Sidmouth offers several public green spaces that aim to balance recreational use with ecological value. Connaught Gardens, managed by EDDC, is a prominent example featuring distinct "outdoor rooms" with a rich collection of both exotic and native plants. Blackmore Gardens and the Parish churchyard are notable for their diversity of lichens, mosses, and ferns found on old walls and tombstones. Additionally, the lawns by the bowling green host a colony of Waxcap fungi, indicating old grasslands. What ecological significance do old walls and gravestones hold in Sidmouth's churchyard? In Sidmouth's Parish churchyard, old, lime-mortar walls and gravestones hold significant ecological value. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of lichens, mosses, and ferns. These surfaces, often overlooked, offer unique niches where these particular plant and fungal communities can thrive, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the churchyard. How has Glen Goyle been transformed, and who was involved? Glen Goyle is a tranquil green space that was historically part of Victorian parkland but became overgrown and neglected over time. It has since been restored through the dedicated efforts of a volunteer group known as the Friends of Glen Goyle (FOGG). Their work has revitalised this lesser-known area, bringing it back to a state where it can be enjoyed as a green space once more. What kind of wildlife can be found at Powys House, despite it being a private property? Despite being a private Grade II listed property with communal grounds not accessible to the public, Powys House supports a diverse range of plant and animal species within its approximately five acres. Over 100 species have been recorded there, including remnants of woodland flora, and various animals such as Badgers, Red Foxes, Slow-worms, as well as a wide array of birds and insects.

Around the Town Cluster: Introduction

What is "brownfield" in the context of Sidmouth's urban ecology?

In Sidmouth's urban ecology, "brownfield" refers to sites that have been previously altered by human activity and intervention. Despite these past changes, these brownfield sites still contribute significantly to the town's overall ecological network. Examples in Sidmouth include the coastal areas like Jacob's Ladder and West Hill, which have undergone extensive landscaping, and even the town centre itself due to its history of human alteration.

How does Sidmouth's coastal environment support biodiversity despite harsh conditions?

Sidmouth's coastal areas, such as the Seafront and Jacob's Ladder, present very challenging conditions for plants, including nutrient-poor shingle, poor water retention, and high salt concentrations. However, biodiversity is supported by the presence of halophytes – specialist salt-tolerant plants. These resilient species have adapted with features like deep roots for stability in unstable ground and leathery or waxy leaves to minimise water loss, enabling them to thrive in this demanding environment.

What is the purpose of the beach garden on Sidmouth's Seafront?

The beach garden on Sidmouth's Seafront, established in 2013 by volunteers from Sidmouth in Bloom and the Devon Plant Heritage Group, is a naturally occurring yet lightly managed area. Its primary purpose is to protect and enhance the local community of beach plants. This includes reintroducing specialist plant species that are no longer present, thereby bolstering the unique flora adapted to the harsh coastal conditions.

How has human intervention impacted the biodiversity of the Lower Sid river stretch?

The Lower Sid stretch of the river has been significantly impacted by human intervention, primarily in the late 1700s, when its course was straightened, a weir was added, and its sides were fortified. These extensive alterations, which involved the addition of concrete walls and resulted in faster water flow, have created a largely hostile environment. Consequently, this section of the river is not conducive for the survival of most species, limiting its biodiversity.

What are some examples of public green spaces in Sidmouth that blend recreational use with ecological value?

Sidmouth offers several public green spaces that aim to balance recreational use with ecological value. Connaught Gardens, managed by EDDC, is a prominent example featuring distinct "outdoor rooms" with a rich collection of both exotic and native plants. Blackmore Gardens and the Parish churchyard are notable for their diversity of lichens, mosses, and ferns found on old walls and tombstones. Additionally, the lawns by the bowling green host a colony of Waxcap fungi, indicating old grasslands.

What ecological significance do old walls and gravestones hold in Sidmouth's churchyard?

In Sidmouth's Parish churchyard, old, lime-mortar walls and gravestones hold significant ecological value. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of lichens, mosses, and ferns. These surfaces, often overlooked, offer unique niches where these particular plant and fungal communities can thrive, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the churchyard.

How has Glen Goyle been transformed, and who was involved?

Glen Goyle is a tranquil green space that was historically part of Victorian parkland but became overgrown and neglected over time. It has since been restored through the dedicated efforts of a volunteer group known as the Friends of Glen Goyle (FOGG). Their work has revitalised this lesser-known area, bringing it back to a state where it can be enjoyed as a green space once more.

What kind of wildlife can be found at Powys House, despite it being a private property?

Despite being a private Grade II listed property with communal grounds not accessible to the public, Powys House supports a diverse range of plant and animal species within its approximately five acres. Over 100 species have been recorded there, including remnants of woodland flora, and various animals such as Badgers, Red Foxes, Slow-worms, as well as a wide array of birds and insects.

Articles related to this topic

Articles related to this topic
Around the Town - an Introduction: Sidmouth's town landscapes, ranging from its coastal areas to its managed gardens and riverbanks, support a rich array of biodiversity despite significant human intervention and environmental challenges. Whilst town sites are classified as 'brownfield' due to past alterations and human intervention they nonetheless contribute substantially to the town's ecological network. There is a clear need for balanced management strategies that enhance biodiversity while addressing public perception and practical challenges. click to read more

Around the Town - an Introduction:

Sidmouth's town landscapes, ranging from its coastal areas to its managed gardens and riverbanks, support a rich array of biodiversity despite significant human intervention and environmental challenges. Whilst town sites are classified as 'brownfield' due to past alterations and human intervention they nonetheless contribute substantially to the town's ecological network. There is a clear need for balanced management strategies that enhance biodiversity while addressing public perception and practical challenges.

click to read more