Parks and Gardens

What is the overall purpose of Sidmouth's urban parks and gardens?

Sidmouth's urban parks and gardens serve a dual purpose: to provide attractive, managed landscapes for leisure and recreation for both visitors and locals, while also being significant for biodiversity. They aim to blend historical charm with ecological value, offering shelter, food, and warmth for a variety of species within the town's broader biodiversity networks.

What are some examples of unique botanical features found in specific Sidmouth green spaces?

Blackmore Gardens is known for its vibrant Dogwood, especially noticeable in autumn and winter. The Parish Churchyard features a rich diversity of lichens, mosses, and ferns on its old lime mortar gravestones and walls, as well as Pellitory of the Wall and Yew trees providing winter food for birds. Fortfield boasts Wild Strawberries and Purple Ramping-fumitory, which uses fences for support, though it is unfortunately affected by invasive Three Cornered Leek.

How do different management approaches influence the plant life in Sidmouth's green spaces?

While there is a general aim to keep areas 'smart' for visitors, which implies managed landscapes, the sources highlight a tension regarding wildflowers. Some perceive them as untidy, while others appreciate their role in supporting biodiversity. The use of lime mortar in old walls, such as those in the Parish Churchyard, allows plants like Pellitory of the Wall to colonise their joints, unlike modern Portland cement mortar which is harsher. This indicates that historical construction methods, along with management regimes, significantly influence the types of plants that can thrive.

What indicates good ecological health in Sidmouth's green spaces?

The presence of rare fungi like Waxcap fungi (including the Pink Waxcap or Ballerina Waxcap) in the Bowling Green grass is a strong indicator of old, undisturbed grasslands, signifying good ecological health. Additionally, the rich diversity of lichens, mosses, and ferns in the Parish Churchyard, alongside the various recorded plant and bird species across the parks, point to healthy and functioning ecosystems within these urban green spaces.

What are some examples of plants that have adapted to urban environments in Sidmouth?

Several plant species have adapted well to the urban environment of Sidmouth. Ivy-leaved Toadflax and Mexican Fleabane are noted for adorning many walls around town and flowering all year round, respectively. Danish Scurvygrass is commonly found at the bases of walls near the Esplanade in spring, and Pellitory of the Wall thrives on lime mortar walls like those in the churchyard. Dandelions are also prevalent, flowering almost any time of year and providing a basic food source for early emerging insects.

Are there any invasive species present in Sidmouth's green spaces, and what impact do they have?

Yes, the Three Cornered Leek (Allium triquetrum) is identified as an invasive non-native species. It is unfortunately noted as "swamping" the bank in Fortfield, indicating a negative impact on the native flora in that area.

What role do these green spaces play in supporting local wildlife, particularly birds?

The green spaces provide crucial support for local wildlife, offering shelter, food, and warmth. For birds, Yew berries serve as a winter food source, and Sticky Mouse-ear patches in Fortfield provide seeds for Goldfinches. The Dandelion is a basic food source for early emerging insects, which in turn support insect-eating birds. Notable bird species frequently seen include Blackbirds, House Sparrows, and Woodpigeons, with Oystercatchers feeding on the cricket pitch in winter and Swallows nesting around the croquet lawn buildings.

How does Sidmouth's mild microclimate contribute to its biodiversity?

The mild microclimate of Sidmouth plays a significant role in influencing the biodiversity found in its town parks and gardens. This favourable climate allows for a wider variety of species to thrive, as evidenced by the extensive list of recorded plant and bird species that find suitable conditions for growth and habitation throughout the year, even influencing the year-round flowering of some species like Mexican Fleabane and the frequent presence of Dandelions.