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8: Brownfield
8: Brownfield
Discover why Sidmouth's parks, gardens, and old walls are vital for nature. Learn about Phase 1 brownfield classification and the surprising variety of local species.
It is a mistake to assume these sites are devoid of wildlife. Because brownfield sites are so variable, they offer a "patchwork" of niches where different species can thrive.
The Survey Results
A survey of eleven local brownfield sites, including Connaught Gardens, The Byes, and the Harpford Trailway, revealed a staggering amount of life:
Floral Variety: 219 species of wildflowers and 30 species of grasses were recorded.
The "Un-weedables": These sites are ideal for mosses, ferns, and lichens, which often grow on walls and tombstones where they are unlikely to be removed.
Insect Haven: Over 100 species of arthropods were found, including frequent sightings of butterflies, hoverflies, and bees.
Feeding Grounds: Short-mown grass in town parks provides perfect access for ground-feeding birds to dig for soil grubs.
Notable Local Brownfield Sites
Harpford Trailway - A recovering disused railway acting as a wildlife corridor.
The Byes - Primarily amenity parkland that supports a high variety of sub-habitats.
Bickwell - Roadside hedges running through both farmland and housing.
Lockyer Observatory - An area of recovering heathland within a managed site.
Before you go
Before you go
The "Niche" Hunt
Brownfield biodiversity is all about finding small pockets of space where the mower or the gardener can't reach. Head into Sidmouth town centre or a local park for a 10-minute "Micro-Habitat" Search:
The Wall Watch: Find an old stone or brick wall. How many different things are growing on it? Look for "Cryptogams" like mosses, ferns, and lichens that use the stone as a substitute for a cliff face.
The "Escape" Artist: Look at the "fringes" of a path or the corner of a flower bed. Can you find a plant that looks like it belongs in a garden but is growing wild? These are "garden escapes".
The Bird Behavior: Watch a bird on a short-mown lawn (like in Connaught Gardens). Is it hunting? Short grass makes it easier for birds to find food in the soil.
Final Reflection: Now that you've finished this series on the four seasons and eight habitats, which habitat in Sidmouth surprised you the most with its level of biodiversity?
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