Riverside Park

A Major Hub for Local Species

The Riverside Park is a powerhouse for local nature. While the cluster represents only 18% of the total surveyed sites in the region, it is home to nearly 50% of all recorded species. This high concentration of life makes it a cornerstone of Sidmouth’s green infrastructure.

Key Biodiversity Findings

Recent surveys across nine specific sites within the cluster highlight the area's ecological richness:

• Flowering Plants: An impressive 59.7% of all flower species found in the wider area are located within this cluster.

• Insects: The presence of bramble and umbellifer flowers in grassland habitats makes these sites vital for insect populations.

• Top Three Sites: The most biodiverse locations within the cluster are Sid Meadow (185 species), The Byes (175 species), and the Upper Byes (171 species).

Habitat Specialists

Different areas within the park cater to specific types of wildlife:

• Sid Meadow: This site is the most significant for invertebrates, hosting nearly two-thirds of all recorded insect species.

• The Byes & Fortescue: Despite higher human activity, these areas remain critical for bird variety.

• Woodlands & Shady Banks: Areas like Riverside Wood and the high banks of the Upper Byes provide the perfect damp, shaded environment for ferns and mosses.

• Gilchrist Field: Although currently the least diverse site due to its "improved grassland" status, it still hosts 25% of the area's species and is a target for ongoing restoration.