West Hill

For locals and visitors alike, the grassy slopes of West Hill offer one of Sidmouth’s most iconic panoramas, a sweeping view over the town and the magnificent Jurassic Coast. But as you pause to admire the scenery, consider the rich and fragile ecosystem that thrives on these well-trodden slopes. Beneath your feet is a story of specialized life, geological power, and the ongoing effort to protect a cherished natural space.

To understand this landscape, it’s important to clarify the geography. Peak Hill is the large geological prominence that rises to the west of Sidmouth. "West Hill" is the informal, popular name for its grassy slopes, specifically the area rising from Jacob’s Ladder up towards the former home of author R.F. Delderfield.

For ecological surveys like the Sidmouth Nature project, West Hill is recorded separately from the summit of Peak Hill because it is an environmentally distinct zone. Managed by East Devon District Council (EDDC), it serves as a beloved walking route and recreational spot for enjoying the coastal air.

The primary habitat of West Hill is coastal grassland, a vital and distinct ecosystem in its own right. This carpet of green is supported by a specific geological foundation. The underlying Upper Greensand formations create a well-drained, alkaline-leaning substrate that dictates which plants can thrive. While this same geology in the broader Peak Hill area supports habitats classified as woodland and scrub (like Peak Wood), the exposed slopes of West Hill give rise to this species-rich grassland. In autumn, the wider grasslands become a colourful tapestry, vibrant with blooming heather and gorse.

The plant life here is a masterclass in adaptation, beginning at the base of the hill in the maritime ecotone—the harsh, salt-sprayed zone where land meets sea. For most plants, salt is a major problem as it disrupts their ability to absorb water. But here, specialized salt-tolerant plants called halophytes cling to life.

• Rock Samphire (Crithmum maritimum): A historical "edible potherb," this hardy plant demonstrates a remarkable ability to root itself directly into cliff faces and sea defences.

• Thrift (Armeria maritima): Also known as 'Sea Pink', its dense, cushion-like growth is a clever survival strategy that minimizes exposure to salt winds and helps stabilize the loose substrate beneath it.

• Sea Campion (Silene uniflora): Look for this flower forming low-lying carpets on the shingle, a growth habit that helps it conserve precious moisture.

• Danish Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia danica): This small plant tells a human story. Absent in Victorian botanical surveys, it is believed its seeds arrived here on the boots of sailors, a perfect illustration of how human movement shapes even our wildest spaces.

Moving up onto the grassy slopes, the biodiversity increases. The wider Peak Hill area supports over 50 species of wildflowers, but, although introduced, the daffodils on West Hill are particularly cherished. As we will see, however, their continued presence is under threat.

The slopes of West Hill are home to a surprising array of wildlife. The most significant mammal recorded specifically for the site is the Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus). Its population index is listed as 1 ("rare") on a scale that runs to 7 ("abundant"), highlighting its elusive presence.

Nearby, common rabbits play a vital ecological role, their grazing maintaining the short-sward grassland that allows low-growing wildflowers to flourish. The base of the hill, with its flowery banks, is a haven for invertebrates. On a summer day, you might spot the metallic green Rose Chafer (Cetonia aurata), the distinctive Six-spot Burnet Moth, or butterflies like the Gatekeeper and Small Copper.

This cherished space is not immune to pressure, and the hands that tend it are at the centre of a local conservation debate. Local conservation volunteers have raised concerns that the management regime for the site, overseen by EDDC, is flawed.

The specific issues identified include:

• Areas of grass being left entirely uncut.

• Grass being cut at the wrong time of year for the local flora.

• The accidental scattering of seeds from invasive species, such as Alexanders.

These practices have harmed the beloved local daffodils and reduced the area's function as both a public recreational space and a haven for wildlife. Town councillors and the local Biodiversity Group are now making efforts to help EDDC improve its management of this valuable natural asset.

West Hill is far more than just a beautiful viewpoint; it is a valuable and delicate habitat sustained by a complex interplay of geology, plants, and animals. It serves as a reminder that our most cherished landscapes are often the most fragile. The next time you pause on West Hill, will you see just the view, or the complex world of life at your feet?