Discover the Sidmouth Beach Garden. Learn about the rare "halophyte" plants surviving on the shingle and the community effort to protect this fragile habitat.
In the face of the harsh conditions described in Part 4, a unique community-led project has taken root. Located on the shingle in front of the Belmont Hotel, the "Beach Garden" is a sanctuary for some of the UK's most resilient and rare plant species.
The Sidmouth Beach Garden is not a typical garden with flowerbeds and soil. Instead, it is a designated area of the shoreline set aside to protect the natural shingle plant community.
Origins: The initiative began around 2012–2013, led by volunteers from Sidmouth In Bloom and supported by the Devon Plant Heritage Group.
The Mission: The goal was twofold: to protect existing flora and to reintroduce specialist species that had historically vanished from the Sidmouth coast.
The Location: It was strategically placed on a section of the beach that is rarely used by sunbathers, ensuring that nature and tourism can coexist.
The stars of the Beach Garden are halophytes (literally "salt plants"). To survive the salt spray and shifting stones, they have developed remarkable biological tools:
Deep Taproots: These anchor the plants against shifting shingle and reach deep down for scarce fresh water.
Waxy or Leathery Leaves: Many plants have a "bluish" tinge due to a waxy coating that prevents water loss.
Resilience: These plants survive where others wither, yet they are fragile enough to be destroyed by a single heavy footfall or a major storm.
While the Beach Garden is a triumph for biodiversity, it has sparked debate among local residents and visitors.
Point of View Argument
Supporters Highlight the protection of nationally scarce species and the dedication of local volunteers.
Critics Argue the garden is an "eyesore" that may deter visitors. Some falsely claim it attracts rats.
The Reality The "rat issue" is a misconception; local rodents actually live in the nearby Glen Goyle culvert, not the garden.
In 2024, a new interpretation board was installed to help educate the public on the garden's ecological significance, aiming to bridge the gap between these opposing views.
Before you go
Goal: To understand the complexity of managing a public space that is also a protected habitat.
The Task: Imagine you are a member of the Sidmouth Town Council. You have received two letters: one from a botanist praising the Beach Garden, and one from a hotel guest who thinks it looks "messy."
Field Observation:
The Information Board: Visit the interpretation board installed in 2024. Does the information provided change how you feel about the "weeds"?
The Rat Myth-Buster: Locate the culvert where the stream from Glen Goyle runs under the road. Notice the distance between this and the garden.
The "Halophyte" Search: Look for plants with a bluish-green tint. Can you see the waxy coating that helps them survive the salt?
The Exercise: Draft a 3-point response to the "unhappy visitor" explaining:
Why these specific plants are nationally scarce.
How the garden helps the environment without taking up "sitting space" for tourists.
Why the garden is a sign of a healthy, living coastline rather than a sign of neglect.