Interesting Places

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 i...

The Byes Riverside Park is one of Sidmouth's most important green spaces. It is a parkland area within the town, running alongside the River Sid. It spans approximately two kilometres between Sidford and the Old Toll House. For the purposes of the Sidmouth Nature project the park has been divided into several survey areas and the Upper Byes section is the stretch from Sidford, along the path until it reaches the bridge just to the south of Margaret's MeadowThe path starts by passing amenity grassland areas used for recreation before entering an interesting wooded area. It then emerges into a more open area with pasture to the left and a substantial hedgerow to the right. After passing the entrance to Gilchrist Field the route goes through a rough scrub and grassland area known as the Livornia Field before then entering the final stage with high hedgerow banks on each side.The western side of the path is predominantly housing and this inevitably has an effect on the flora with s...

The town parks and gardens area is formed from the Blackmore Gardens, the Parish Churchyard, the Bowling Green, and the Fortfield:Blackmore GardensBlackmore Gardens is one of Sidmouth's main green spaces. The Conservatory in Blackmore Gardens is owned directly by Sidmouth Town Council. Dogwood is a prominent feature of Blackmore Gardens, providing a vibrant backdrop with its bright red wood, particularly notable in autumn and winter. The gardens are well maintained by the EDDC workforce.Parish ChurchyardThe Parish Churchyard is a place where you can find a wide range of lichen species on gravestones and walls. The churchyard wall alongside Church Lane in Sidmouth is an old wall with lime mortar in the joints. Unlike walls made with modern Portland cement mortar, which is a harsher environment, many plants can colonise lime mortar.Pellitory of the Wall can be found growing on the gate pillar of the churchyard wall alongside Church Lane. This plant thrives in the gap between the base...

The Knowle is a historic estate in Sidmouth, Devon, with a rich and varied history. Originally constructed between 1805 and 1810 as a thatched cottage orné by Lord le Despencer, the estate was designed as a picturesque marine villa. In the mid-19th century, it was owned by the eccentric collector T.L. Fish, who transformed the grounds into a public attraction featuring exotic plants and animals, including zebras and kangaroos. He opened the estate to the public on ""Fish's Mondays,"" drawing visitors from across the country.Over time, The Knowle underwent significant changes. In 1882, it was converted into a hotel, which led to substantial alterations that obscured many of its original architectural features. During World War II, the estate served as a Royal Air Force Aircrew Officers Training School. Post-war, it resumed operation as a hotel until the 1960s, when it was acquired by the Sidmouth Urban District Council for use as offices. Later, it became the hea...

The Knapp Nature Pond, also referred to as the Lower Knapp Pond, is situated between Winslade Road, Station Road, adjacent to Station Road (B3176), just south of Alexandria Road.The pond was created as part of a small nature reserve established by the East Devon District Council (EDDC) in 1992. The Sid Vale Association (SVA) persuaded EDDC to make this area a nature reserve with a pond after bungalow development on land called ""Deane's Meadow"" (later ""Deans Mead"") destroyed a historical footpath.The pond is approximately 500 square feet and was constructed with a concrete lining. Initially, it was filled and regularly supplied with mains water, controlled by a stopcock. Three ""stepping stones"" were built to provide public access, allowing visitors, particularly children, to look into the pond and net tadpoles. It has a deepest section of over three feet, and its sides are sloping without shelves for easy planting.It ...

The Knapp is a local nature reserve situated within Sidmouth, Devon. It covers approximately 8 acres and provides a tranquil green space located between Station Road, Winslade Road, and Peaslands Road amidst the town's residential areas.Ownership and StewardshipIn 2019, the Sid Vale Association (SVA) acquired The Knapp from East Devon District Council. Since the acquisition, the SVA has been dedicated to enhancing and maintaining the reserve for the benefit of both the local community and wildlife. Volunteer efforts have been instrumental in this endeavour. Tasks undertaken by volunteers include relaying footpaths, planting over 300 new trees to diversify habitats, refurbishing steps leading up to Peaslands Knapp, and dredging the pond to restore its capacity. A forest-green metal cabin has also been installed for equipment storage. These initiatives aim to balance conservation efforts with public enjoyment of the natural space.Wildlife and HabitatThe Knapp features a mosaic of hab...

The Byes Riverside Park is one of Sidmouth's most important green spaces. It is a parkland area within the town, running alongside the River Sid. It spans approximately two kilometres between Sidford and the Old Toll House. For the purposes of the Sidmouth Nature project surveys it has been split into two parts; The Byes and Upper Byes. The division occurs at the bridge near Margaret’s Meadow.The Byes is managed for wildlife conservation and to provide free public access for residents and visitors. Parts of The Byes are owned by the Sid Vale Association (SVA) and are managed to promote wild flower diversity. East Devon District Council also plays a role in managing aspects of The Byes.While initially one might not classify it as such, on balance, The Byes has been designated as a brownfield site. This classification reflects its complex history of land use, including areas of mown lawn. Many of the mature trees in the lower area are introduced species and there are a number of non-...

South Combe Farm, located near Sidmouth in the Salcombe Regis area, is a notable site both historically and ecologically. In the early 20th century, South Combe Farm, alongside South Down Farm on Salcombe Hill, was preserved in perpetuity as private open space through agreements between the Rev. J.G. Cornish, Dr. Vaughan Cornish, and the Sidmouth Urban District Council. These agreements aimed to maintain the natural beauty of the area and ensure public access, even in the event of cliff erosion.  Nature South Combe Farm has been recognized for its ecological value, particularly as a habitat for the cirl bunting, a farmland songbird that had been struggling in the UK. In recent years, there have been multiple sightings of at least one pair of cirl buntings at the farm, indicating a positive development in the species' recovery. The farm's management practices, such as maintaining long grass and seed heads, support a range of insects and birds, contributing to biodiversity. The p...

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 S...

The Sidmouth cemetery is about 10 acres in size, and situated next to The Knapp Nature Reserve, it provides another 10 acres for nature, contributing to a larger network of green space in the town. The cemetery is recognized as a local asset that has seen attempts to improve it for nature. The East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) Streetscene team is engaged with local volunteers in managing the site with the overall goal to manage this ""outstanding fragment of our ancient landscape"" for nature and for the future, also serving as a way to pay homage to the dead.Management practices include combining short and long grass, which is noted to provide a more diverse habitat for a greater range of insect and plant species and managing the ancient hedgerows that run around and through the cemetery, which are considered as critical for wildlife. The management of these hedges is seen as potentially allowing the rare Hazel Dormouse, recently found in old hedges on the neigh...

Sidford is a village located within the Sid Valley, positioned towards the northern end of the valley. For the purposes of the Sidmouth Nature project the site is the area to the east of the river Sid here with the access point to the River Sid being available from the main road bridge at Sidford, leading south towards Fortescue. This permissive footpath runs alongside the river for about a quarter of a mile and then turns inland through a rough meadow to a gate onto the road to the north of Fortescue.This is a short walk in itself but can be combined with a wander along the quiet road to Fortescue, then turning down to the new bridge and along the footpath to emerge onto The Byes path where one turns right and walks back to the main road in Sidford.   " What is Sidford and where is it located?  

Sid Meadow is a picturesque riverside meadow in Sidmouth, Devon. It is owned and managed by the National Trust. Situated along the River Sid, it forms part of The Byes, a cherished green corridor that stretches from Sidford to the town center. Sid Meadow is located along the main path within The Byes. Walking north along this path from the junction with the footpath to Fortescue, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the foot of Sid Meadow.The meadow is characterised by its grassland habitat, underlain by Otter Sandstone geology. This habitat supports a variety of flora and fauna, contributing to the area's biodiversity. Within Sid Meadow, there are hedgerows and ""copse plantations"". Specifically, pink wild roses, identified as Dog Roses or hybrids of Dog Rose, scramble through these hedgerows and copse plantations. Sid Meadow possesses historical features identified through archaeological surveys. These include remnants of a field boundary dating back to at leas...

The main feature of nature interest on the seafront is the area known as the Beach Garden; it is a designated area on the shoreline specifically established for nature conservation. This initiative was set up in 2013 by volunteers from Sidmouth in Bloom and the Devon Plant Heritage Group. Its primary purpose is to protect and enhance the local beach plant community, including reintroducing specialist plants that were no longer present.Here's more about Sidmouth's Beach Garden:Location and PurposeThe Beach Garden is located by the Millennium Walkway, near the Belmont Hotel, and extends to a part of the beach where people wouldn't typically sit.It serves as a safe haven for rare and endangered species adapted to the harsh coastal conditions.It aims to enhance Sidmouth’s reputation among green tourism visitors by showcasing local nature.The concept of the Beach Garden aligns with the broader strategy of creating Biodiversity Networks, where such areas act as ""refuel...

Salcombe Hill is a prominent natural landmark situated east of Sidmouth, Devon, forming part of the Jurassic Coast—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological significance and stunning coastal vistas. Salcombe Hill is located on the eastern side of the Sid Valley, to the east of Sidmouth.  Managed by the National Trust, Salcombe Hill offers a variety of walking routes that showcase the area's natural beauty. In the early 20th century, Reverend J.G. Cornish and Dr. Vaughan Cornish entered into agreements with the Sidmouth Urban District Council to preserve areas of Salcombe Hill, including South Down Farm and adjacent cliff frontages, as open spaces in perpetuity. These efforts ensured the maintenance of public rights of way along the cliffs, even in the event of erosion. The enclosure of Salcombe Hill in the 19th century was driven partly by J.G. Cornish, who held the principal interest in the common. Salcombe Hill is part of the Sidmouth to Beer Coast Site of Special ...

Riverside Wood’ is the informal name for an area of woodland located along the River Sid. Specifically, the riverside area alongside Margaret's Meadow and Gilchrist Field in The Byes is described as a notable broadleaf woodland.  Unlike most other woodland sites surveyed around Sidmouth, which are situated on higher ground, Riverside Wood falls into the lower ground location.It is a more natural woodland than the others included in the survey. It is unique among at least the twelve surveyed woodland sites in that it appears to be absent of introduced conifer plantation species. This sets it apart from many other local woods like Harpford Wood, Fire Beacon Plantation, Bulverton Hill Plantation, and Core Hill Wood, which contain significant conifer elements.As a broadleaf woodland area, particularly the part near Margaret's Meadow and Gilchrist Field, it is considered among the most interesting locally. It supports a variety of plant species including Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis...

Powys House is a distinguished Grade II listed early 19th-century stucco villa, situated on Station Road. Originally constructed as a private residence, it now serves as a retirement development comprising 58 leasehold flats, completed in 1982. The building retains notable architectural features, including recessed sash windows, Venetian shutters, and a prominent garden façade with two three-window wings connected by a central link block.The property is set within approximately five acres of communal grounds, featuring a large south-facing lawn bordered by mature trees. These gardens offer a tranquil and secluded environment, despite the property's proximity to Sidmouth town center and seafront. Residents have access to various amenities, including a spacious lounge with a veranda, a greenhouse, reading areas, guest suites, and a full-time house manager.Powys House combines historical charm with modern amenities, providing residents with a comfortable and engaging living environmen...

Peaslands Knapp is a serene 3-acre nature reserve situated in Sidmouth, Devon. It is managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA), which acquired the reserve in 2010. Peaslands Knapp is part of The Knapp Nature Reserve, also owned and managed by the SVA.The reserve comprises a mix of woodland, scrub, and meadow, offering a diverse habitat for local flora and fauna. Notably, Peasland Knapp includes an area of uncultivated grassland. This type of grassland is considered incredibly rare in Britain today and is typically found on steep hillsides inaccessible to tractors. The grassland at Peasland Knapp has had little management and has not been fertilised. This lack of intervention has helped retain many native grasses, herbs, and flowers, which in turn supports a wide range of native insects and mammals.A distinctive feature of Peasland Knapp is the presence of many yellow meadow ant hills. These can be observed throughout the year and can be aged by estimating the amount of soil above groun...

Peak Wood is a small woodland area located on the western edge of Sidmouth, adjacent to Peak Hill. It is managed by the National Trust and is part of the broader Sidmouth countryside landscape. The woodland is situated on high ground. Its underlying geology is Upper Greensand, a formation typically found on the high ground on the valley sides. Peak Wood is described as an "open" woodland. It features a mix of regenerated scrub and broadleaf trees, interspersed with open grassland areas. There are a small number of introduced trees present. The woodland appears to have historical significance, possibly having once been part of a garden area. This is suggested by the presence of a bank and a tree-lined border to the west, separating it from adjacent pastures, which indicates that grazing animals were likely excluded in the past. Peak Wood is one of the twelve sites designated as primarily woodland in the Sidmouth Nature project survey. The survey recorded a total of 101 plant s...

Peak Hill, located just west of Sidmouth in East Devon, is a prominent feature of the Jurassic Coast and forms part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Peak Hill is located on the western edge of Sidmouth, on the western side of the Sid Valley. Peak Hill is included within the area covered by the Sidmouth to Beer Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is noted for its geological and stratigraphic features. Geologically, the top of Peak Hill is capped by Upper Greensand. The underlying Upper Greensand formations support habitats classified as A0 - Woodland and Scrub. The SSSI is noted for its Greensand in the western part of the site. Peak Hill boasts a diverse range of habitats, including coastal grasslands and woodlands. The grasslands are particularly vibrant in autumn, adorned with blooming heather and gorse, which attract various bird species feeding on the abundant berries. Peak Hill is known for its wildflowers, with over 50 species recorded. It also ...

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 designate...