West Hill: Description - story

Peter Orchard

West Hill:

Description

West Hill is an informal name for the grassy slopes that rise up to Peak Hill on the western side of the Sidmouth coastline. This area extends from Jacob's Ladder up to the entrance of "The Gazebo," which was the former home of R.F. Delderfield. The management of West Hill falls under the responsibility of East Devon District Council (EDDC) and it is recognised as one of Sidmouth's primary green spaces. From West Hill, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Sidmouth and the Jurassic Coast.

 

Access

There is parking alongside the site in Peak Hill Road but this can be busy in summer. The Manor Road car park is nearby.

 

Influences

Challenges to the site and its management have been noted. Local conservation volunteers have expressed concerns that the management regime is flawed, leading to areas being left uncut or cut at inappropriate times. This has resulted in the scattering of millions of seeds from Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum) across the site. Alexanders, a plant from the carrot family introduced by the Romans, is rampant and abundant on the slopes leading from Jacob's Ladder to Peak Hill, posing a significant problem. 

 

Habitat

While it appears to be natural grassland, the land here has been extensively landscaped and managed to create paths leading to the beach and as a recreational walking area and so it is categorised as a 'brownfield' site. It is mainly amenity grassland and the main ecological value lies in the hedgerow scrub that runs the entire length between the grassland and the top of the sea cliff.

 

Plants

Despite the management issues and the high level of human recreational activity, West Hill is noteworthy for its biodiversity. Over 50 species of wild flowers have been recorded in the area. Specific flora identified on or around West Hill includes:

 

  • Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum), which typically flowers from March to April, is easily distinguishable by its pale green flower heads.
  • Charlock (Rhamphospermum arvense) is very common in summer
  • Bristly Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides) is a coastal species related to dandelions
  • Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) occurs along the road side near Jacob’s Ladder entrance
  • Corky-fruited Water-dropwort (Oenanthe pimpinelloides), a nationally scarce plant, occurs in June and June
     

Animals

Summer days can produce a diverse array of insects including seven species of butterflies and various other insect species including

 

  • Common Green Sawfly (Tenthredo mesomela)
  • Common Red Soldier Beetle (Rhagonycha fulva)
  • Common Wasp (Vespus vulgaris )
  • Dance Fly (Empis tessellata)
  • Drone Fly (Eristalis tenax)
  • Swollen-thigh Beetle (Oedemera nobilis)
  • Tapered Drone Fly (Eristalis pertinax)

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