Examples of Brownfield Sites

2: Some Examples of Open Mosaic Habitats

Explore the diversity of brownfield sites; locally these include the amenity grasslands of The Byes and the restoring heath at Lockyer Observatory.

While we often think of brownfields as "waste places", they are actually a complex patchwork of distinct habitats. In ecology, we often refer to these as "Open Mosaic Habitats" because of the variety of life they support.

1. The Pioneers: Ephemeral and Short Perennial

On demolition sites, quarries, or railway ballast, you will find short, patchy plant associations. The Phase 1 Handbook classifies this as "Ephemeral/short perennial" vegetation.

Characteristics: These plants thrive in thin, skeletal soils where chemical content and pH vary based on the industrial or agricultural legacy of the land.
Look for: Lichens and mosses clinging to the ground, followed by taller "ruderal" herbs like willowherb or nettles.

2. Managed Green Spaces: Amenity Grassland

Not all brownfields look derelict. Amenity grassland, such as mown lawns in parks and playing fields, is technically classified under this umbrella.

Local Example: The Byes in Sidmouth is designated as brownfield partly because its large expanses of grass are maintained as mown amenity lawn.

3. Corridors of Life: Verges and Embankments

Road verges, railway embankments, and canals act as vital, relatively undisturbed habitats.

Diverse Classification: If a railway cutting is wide and grassy, it is mapped as grassland. If it is overgrown with trees, it becomes woodland or scrub. Even narrow, herb-rich verges provide essential nectar for local insects.

4. Industrial Relics and "Artificial Exposures"

Abandoned quarries and spoil tips fall under the category of "Artificial exposures and waste tips".

Surprising Biodiversity: An abandoned refinery on Canvey Island was declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it was so rich in rare insect species.
Historical Colonisers: After the Second World War, bomb sites and derelict buildings became famous for hosting the Black Redstart, a bird that thrived in the rubble.

5. Transitioning Landscapes

Brownfield sites are rarely static; they are often in a state of restoration or "succession".

Local Example: The Norman Lockyer Observatory site is a perfect example of a site in transition, gradually returning to its natural heath habitat.

Before you go

The "Site Detective" Categorisation

Objective: To practice classifying local land using Phase 1 Habitat Survey categories.

Select a Site: Choose a local Sidmouth area—perhaps a section of The Byes, a roadside verge, or a nearby farm track gateway.
The Classification Challenge: Based on the text, which category does it fit best?
- Ephemeral/Short Perennial: Is the soil thin with lots of moss and small weeds?
- Amenity Grassland: is it a regularly mown lawn for public use?
- Mixed Scrub/Waste Ground: Does it have a mix of bushes and "weed" communities?
The "Hidden Value" Note: Find one feature of the site that might support an insect or bird (e.g., a pile of rubble for basking or a patch of wildflowers for nectar).