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.

1. What is the Beach Garden?

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.

2. Survival of the Specialists: Halophytes

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.

3. The Great Debate: Nature vs. Aesthetics

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.