West Hill

West Hill is an informal name for the grassy slopes of Peak Hill rising from the Jacob’s Ladder at the Sidmouth town end to the entrance to R F Delderfield’s one time home, “The Gazebo”. It is a very different environmentally to site on top of Peak Hill and so for the purposes of the Sidmouth Nature project it is recorded separatelyEast Devon District Council (EDDC) manages this part of Peak Hill. Peak Hill is listed as one of Sidmouth's main green spaces. This area is noted for its views of the town and over the Jurassic Coast. It is a busy walking route for both visitors and locals and a popular site to just sit on a summer day, there are several seats along the site.There is roadside parking available coming up Peak Hill out of Sidmouth, which can be used for accessing the area.Despite management efforts, challenges exist. Cliff erosion at Peak Hill is a concern. There are also concerns amongst local conservation volunteers that the management regime for the site is flawed The issues include areas being left uncut, cut at the wrong time, and scattering seeds of invasive species like Alexanders. This has negatively impacted the daffodils and reduced its function as both a recreational site and a wildlife haven. Efforts are being made by town councillors and the Biodiversity Group to help EDDC improve the management of Peak Hill to restore it as a valuable natural area.