Minimal Sites

Minimal sites are the connective tissue of Sidmouth’s ecosystem. Because they are often long and narrow, they act as "green highways," allowing species to move between larger habitats like the Byes or the coast.

1. The Historic Waysides: Bickwell Valley

Bickwell Valley is a picturesque conservation area known for its architectural heritage, but its true secret lies in its "hollow" landscape and mature gardens.

• The Survey Focus: The Sidmouth Nature project focuses on Muttersmoor Road, which features interesting hedgerows and a small drainage stream.

• A Botanist’s Dream: Historically a "good hunting ground" for plants, a single year-long survey recorded 70 different species here.

2. The Ancient Ruins: Dunscombe

Near the ruins of Dunscombe Manor—which dates back as far as 925 AD—nature has reclaimed the landscape.

• Hedgerow Havens: The lanes leading from the Donkey Sanctuary toward Lincombe are vital for their hedgerow scrub habitats.

• Wildlife Support: These thick, untamed hedges support a variety of birds and small mammals, proving that even a "ruined" site can be an ecological treasure.

3. The Industrial Path: Harpford Trailway

Where trains once steamed toward Sidmouth until 1967, a walking and cycling route now remains.

• From Rail to Trail: While all traces of the tracks are gone, the track bed provides a unique substrate for plants.

• Lush Growth: The soil here is enriched, leading to dominant displays of Cock’s-foot grass, Nettles, and Brambles.

• Diverse Neighbours: The trail moves from agricultural land and stables into wooded conifer plantations, creating a constantly changing environment for the walker.

4. The Engineered River: Lower Sid

You might be surprised to see a river called a "brownfield" site. However, the stretch from Salcombe Road to the sea was straightened and fortified in the late 1700s.

• Man-Made Limits: Because it is entirely dominated by human intervention and fast-flowing, the scope for nature is limited.

• Sediment Islands: Despite the concrete sides, an island of sediment has formed south of the ford, allowing small plant populations to take root.

• Coastal Birds: Near the sea, you can spot specialised birds like the Grey Wagtail, Cormorant, and the occasional Dipper.

5. The Transition Zone: Upper Byes

The northern stretch of the Byes Riverside Park is a mix of managed parkland and wilder "escaped" nature.

• Garden Escapes: Because the path runs near housing, you will see many garden "escapes" and introduced daffodils blooming alongside wilder species.

• Livornia Field: This area of rough scrub and grassland, managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA), is a major reason for the "remarkable" number of plants and trees found in this section.