Summer Science

Summer in Sidmouth (June–August) is the ultimate time to visit the valley’s diverse grasslands. Unlike woodland flowers that must bloom quickly before the tree canopy closes, meadow species have the luxury of long, sunlit days to grow and photosynthesise.

Key Meadows to Explore

Sidmouth offers a variety of meadows, each with a unique character:

• The Valley Floor: Visit Sid Meadow, Margaret’s Meadow, and Gilchrist Field along the River Sid.

• The Town Ridges: Explore The Knapp, Peasland Knapp, and the grounds of The Knowle.

• The Eastern & Western Slopes: Discover ancient grasslands at Alma Field, Salcombe Hill, Delderfield, and Peak Hill.

Survival Strategies: How Plants Reproduce

While sexual reproduction via seeds provides essential genetic diversity, many plants in Sidmouth utilise a "mixed strategy" to dominate their environment.

1. Sexual Reproduction (The Genetic Insurance Policy)

This involves the interaction of male (anther) and female (stigma) parts, often mediated by insects or wind.

• Double Fertilisation: Unique to flowering plants (angiosperms), one sperm creates the plant embryo while a second creates the endosperm—a "lunchbox" of food for the developing seed.

• Fruit Development: After fertilisation, the ovary often transforms into a fruit to help disperse seeds via wind, water, or animals.

2. Asexual Reproduction (The Territory Claimer)

Often called vegetative propagation, this creates genetic clones of the parent plant.

• Rhizomes & Runners: Underground or surface stems that put down new roots. A single large patch of Wood Anemones may actually be one ancient individual.

• Bulbs & Corms: Species like Bluebells and Wild Garlic divide underground to expand their territory without needing a pollinator.

• Apomixis: A rare method where Dandelions or Hawkweeds produce seeds that are clones of the mother without any fertilisation.

The "Meadow Maker": Yellow Rattle

Yellow Rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is often called "Nature's Lawnmower". It is an essential tool for biodiversity in Sidmouth’s meadows because it is a hemi-parasite.

• The Attack: Its roots pierce the roots of vigorous grasses (like Cocksfoot) and steal nutrients and water.

• The Result: This weakens the grass by up to 60%, creating physical "gaps" where delicate orchids and oxeye daisies can grow.

• The Signal: In July, the seeds rattle inside papery pods. Historically, this "rattle" told Sidmouth farmers that the hay was dry and ready for cutting.

Pollination Syndromes: The Perfect Match

Flowers have evolved specific shapes and colours to target specific insect "couriers".

Insect Group Flower Family Key Feature Strategy

Bees (Hymenoptera) Pea Family (Clovers, Vetches) Hidden nectar Requires strength to push open the petals

Flies (Diptera) Carrot Family (Hogweed, Wild Carrot) Flat "landing pads" Easy-access "mopped up" nectar for short mouth parts

Butterflies (Lepidoptera) Pink Family (Campion, Stitchwort) Deep, narrow tubes Long, straw-like tongues (proboscis) reach the bottom

Beetles (Coleoptera) Buttercup Family (Poppies, Buttercups) Bowl shapes "Mess and soil" pollination; they eat the pollen directly.