Page Wood

Page Wood is situated on the upper western slopes of Salcombe Hill, which is located to the east of Sidmouth. It is an extensive area of woodland which lies on the Upper Greensand geological formation. It is a large, steep woodland site notable for its views and challenging terrain, with a moderate dominance of woodland plant species recorded in a recent survey.

Access to Page Wood is available from the National Trust car park on Salcombe Hill. Alternatively, it can be approached via various paths from Sidmouth town, primarily by using the coastal path.

The woodland is on a steep slope and can be difficult to negotiate. There are a significant number of steps along the route, making navigation challenging. Due to the steep and stepped terrain, sturdy footwear is recommended. Visitors should be prepared for a more strenuous walk compared to other local woodlands. Consequently, the woodland may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Page Wood is one of the twelve sites designated as primarily woodland within the Sidmouth Nature project survey. Its location on Salcombe Hill suggests it shares similar ecological characteristics with nearby woodlands. It is likely to support a mix of native broadleaf species and some conifers, reflecting historical planting practices in the region.

Within the Sidmouth Nature project survey, Page Wood had 53 total plant species recorded. Of these, 32 species were classified as woodland species, resulting in a dominance of woodland species of 60.3%. This percentage is below the 70% threshold that might imply a longer history of woodland cover compared to some other sites in the survey.

From certain vantage points within Page Wood, visitors can enjoy scenic views across Sidmouth and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the presence of mobile telephone masts is noted within the woodland. Salcombe Hill in general is known for providing stunning views across Sidmouth and the Jurassic coast.