Soldier’s Hill
Soldiers Hill, also known as the James Cornish Field, is a notable natural area situated on Salcombe Hill in Sidmouth, Devon. It is owned and managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA). The larger area owned by the SVA encompasses approximately 20 acres of grassland and adjacent woodland near the Salcombe War Memorial.
Specifically, the Soldiers Hill Field area owned by the SVA consists of 19.5 acres split into two fields and a small area of woodland. The woodland is known locally as Bluebell Wood and is treated as a separate site for the Sidmouth Nature project.
The site is referred to by several names, including the James Cornish Field on Salcombe Hill, the James Cornish Field on Soldier’s Hill, Soldiers Hill Field, and the James Cornish fields on Soldiers Hill. Soldier's Hill is located adjacent to the war memorial at Salcombe Regis.
Historically, Soldiers Hill was open common land. According to the 1839 Tithe Map, it was likely used as grazed heathland. Soldiers also camped on Soldier's Hill during the Napoleonic Wars. Over time, the area has evolved into a managed grassland area, with efforts being made to enhance its ecological value.
The field is characterised by grassland habitats on clay with flints soil. The specific plant population found in the field is influenced by the underlying geology and its elevation, being more than 100m higher above sea level.
The SVA manages the area to promote wildflower diversity. While areas dominated by modern Ryegrass have limited floral biodiversity, the field edges are more diverse, featuring species like Angelica, Wood Sage, and Greater Bird’s-foot Trefoil. Management practices include periodic cutting to control invasive species such as Brambles, Gorse, and Bracken, promoting a richer biodiversity. The site is managed with a cut and clear regime, which is noted to produce a plant population different from other local managed grasslands. The meadow area is currently leased to a farmer.
Specific plants recorded in the meadow include a significant population of Red and White Clover (Trifolium pratense and T. repens) and Lesser Trefoil (Trifolium dubium). Common Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) have been recorded in the south-eastern meadow in the past, but were not seen in the survey year.
There are semi-scrub areas on the north-eastern and north-western boundaries that are left uncut for longer than the main meadow. This dense mix of Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), Gorse (Ulex europaeus), and Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) provides a home for species that struggle with meadow mowing, such as Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Angelica (Angelica sylvestris), and Red Campion (Silene dioica).
The Blackthorn hedges around the fields are noted for having encrustations of various forms of lichen, including some bushy types.
The field is one of the best local sites to see a range of Waxcap fungi. Waxcaps are considered rare fungi and are indicative of old grasslands. Species found there include Butter, Honey, Golden, Parrot, Scarlet, Slimy, Blackening, Snowy, and Cedar Wood Waxcap.
Soldiers Hill is accessible via Sidmouth Footpath 117a and is part of local walking routes, including the Salcombe Regis Tree Trail. It is accessible from the SVA land on Soldiers Hill. The footpath to Fortescue, which goes up Grigg's Lane, can be used to access the site adjacent to the war memorial. There is a public footpath along one side, giving public access. The area offers scenic views and seasonal displays of wildflowers, such as bluebells, making it a popular spot for walkers and nature enthusiasts.