Woodlands

Woodlands are among our most complex and diverse habitat systems, yet there is no such thing as a "typical" woodland. Under the Phase 1 Classification system, a woodland is defined as an area where the dominant trees are expected to exceed five metres in height at maturity and form a discernible canopy.

The Layers of a Woodland

A healthy woodland is structured like a building, with four distinct "floors" or layers, each providing unique resources for wildlife:

• The Canopy: The upper layer of branches providing nesting sites and shade.

• The Under-storey: Shady shrubs and smaller trees growing beneath the canopy.

• The Forest Floor: A light-influenced layer supporting flora, fungi, and invertebrates.

• The Soil Layer: Home to organisms crucial for nutrient cycling.

Common Woodland Types in Sidmouth

While many factors like soil, age, and management influence a wood's character, you will primarily encounter these five types in the Sidmouth area:

• Broad-leaf: Canopy formed almost exclusively by deciduous trees - Ash,Beech

• Acid: Found on acidic soils - Birch, Scots Pine.

• Mixed: A combination of coniferous and deciduous trees - Beech, Pine.

• Plantation: Trees planted in straight rows, usually for timber - Pine, Spruce.

• Amenity: Planted for human benefit (recreation or ornament) - Orchards, Parkland.

The Impact of Conifers in Sidmouth

Of the eleven surveyed sites in Sidmouth, many—such as Bulverton Hill and Greystone Hill—are dominated by conifer plantations. These were introduced in the 1950s for the timber economy and are considered "alien" to the local ecology.

Because conifers create dense shade and are a "crop" rather than a natural habitat, they often limit biodiversity compared to broadleaf woods. However, even in these areas, remnants of ancient habitats remain; if the conifers were removed, the original "dry dwarf shrub" vegetation would likely return.