Gilchrist Field
Gilchrist Field is a 7.5 acre nature reserve located in Sidmouth, forming an integral part of The Byes Riverside Park, a green corridor situated along the River Sid. It is specifically positioned in the northern section of The Byes, immediately north of Margaret's Meadow. The reserve is owned and managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA) as part of the SVA's broader mission to preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Sid Valley. It is one of the distinct areas managed by the SVA specifically to promote wild flower diversity and is maintained to encourage wildlife and SVA volunteers play a crucial role in its maintenance. The management processes now used are gradually changing the grassland areas, which were previously dominated by rank grasses and rushes with less floral diversity. The underlying geology is Otter Sandstone, which contributes to its unique ecological characteristics. Gilchrist Field has a diverse array of habitat including rough meadow, scrub, woodla...