Knapp and Knowle

Located just west of Sidmouth town, a unique network of green spaces forms one of the area's most significant natural assets. While these sites are managed by different organizations, nature does not recognize human boundaries. Together, they form a contiguous wildlife corridor—a single, integrated biodiversity network where animals and insects move freely across the landscape.

The Core Sites: A Survey of Diversity

The Sidmouth Nature project has surveyed six key locations that define the character of this cluster:

• The Knapp: A diverse mix of semi-natural grassland, woodland, and a community orchard.

• Peasland Knapp: A steep, west-facing slope of semi-natural grassland that acts as an extension to The Knapp.

• Knapp Nature Pond: A vital freshwater habitat recently restored to support aquatic wildlife.

• Sidmouth Cemetery: A "brownfield" site with undisturbed grassland that has become a haven for local flora.

• The Knowle: Former parkland undergoing active restoration to improve plant and animal diversity.

• Bickwell: Home to potentially "ancient" hedgerows with a rich variety of herbs and shrubs.

The "Hub" and Hidden Gems

The ecological value of these public sites is amplified by two neighbouring private areas that act as a "hub" for the entire network:

1. Manor Park: A large, managed parkland that adjoins nearly all the surveyed sites, providing a quiet, undeveloped core for the cluster.

2. Highfield Meadow: Owned by the Sid Vale Association, this grazed meadow is specifically managed to protect sensitive flora and fauna.