Title: Exploring Sites of Natural Interest in the Sidmouth Area

Describing walks is a difficult task! Everyone has different expectations, different interests and different physical capabilities and it is impossible to meet these diverse needs and please everyone. As it says in the title, this section is for those who wish to explore the sites of natural interest in the Sidmouth area.

These are not walks for the walking devotee who wants a challenging 8 mile trek… click to read more

Title: The Knapp and the Knowle

This is a circular walk that, in its simplest form, takes you from the public (free) car park at the Knowle in Station Road to the woodland and grassland nature reserve at the Knapp. However, it takes you past FOUR other sites of natural interest (Peasland Knapp, the cemetery, the Knapp Nature Pond and the Knowle) along the way so you have the option to extend the basic walk to take in some or all of these other sites if you so wish.… click to read more

Title: Seafront and Town Parks

This is a circular walk around the seafront area of Sidmouth taking in the Esplanade and some of the towns delightful parks and gardens. It encompasses five of the sites featured as 'sites of nature interest' (my designation, not an official one!) in this website with then option take in another that (at the time of writing) has not received any survey work.

The route starts in the Manor Road Car Park but as a circular route any… click to read more

Title: River Walk

The lower reaches of the River Sid are accessible by footpaths and this walk takes you from the mouth of the river up stream, through The Byes to the point where the river becomes less accessible and then returns via the wonderful Sid Meadow and Community Orchard which have an abundance of wild flowers in summer. In all this walk encompasses four of my 'sites of nature interest'; Lower Sid, The Byes, Sid Meadow and the Community Orchard.

For… click to read more

Title: Meadows Walk

Beyond the northern extent of The Byes are two meadows owned and managed by the Sid Vale Association along with a woodland area through which the River Sid runs. This walk starts at the far end of The Byes at Sidford and takes a circular route around these meadows and woodland. On the way, if you want a longer route you can take a 'branch line' to the bridge over the river at Fortescue.  

In all this walk encompasses five of my 'sites of… click to read more

Title: Phase 1 habitats - J9: Roadside verges and banks

Title: Phase 1 habitats - J3: Built-up areas

In the Phase 1 habitat classification system, J3 Built-up areas encompass a range of habitats associated with human settlements and infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and artificial structures. These habitats are characterised by a high degree of impervious surfaces, limited vegetation cover, and significant modifications to the natural environment.

J3 Built-up areas can be further subdivided into three… click to read more

Title: Phase 1 habitats - J1: Cultivated and disturbed land

In the Phase 1 habitat classification system, J1 Cultivated and disturbed land encompasses a broad range of habitats that have been significantly altered by human activities, primarily for agricultural or urban development purposes. These habitats are characterised by a high degree of disturbance and modification, resulting in simplified vegetation communities and altered ecological processes.

J1… click to read more

Title: Phase 1 habitats - H8: Maritime cliff and slope

In the Phase 1 habitat classification system, H8 Maritime cliff encompasses a diverse range of habitats associated with steep rocky cliffs along coastlines. These habitats are characterised by exposure to strong winds, salt spray, and periodic wave action, creating a unique and challenging environment for plants and animals.

H8 Maritime cliff can be further subdivided into three categories based on their… click to read more

Title: Phase 1 habitat - H6: Sand Dune

In the Phase 1 habitat classification system, H6 Sand dune encompasses a diverse range of habitats associated with coastal sand dunes, characterised by dynamic and shifting sand formations. These habitats are often found along coastlines with abundant sand supply and strong winds.

H6 Sand dune can be further subdivided into six categories based on their vegetation cover and geomorphological features:

1. H6.1 Mobile… click to read more