Riverside Park

An Essential Green Corridor

The Riverside Park, more commonly known by locals as The Byes Riverside Park, is a vital green space located on the eastern side of Sidmouth. It acts as a key component in local biodiversity networks, stretching approximately two kilometers along the River Sid between Sidford and the Old Toll House.

Community Management and Conservation

The park is managed to balance wildlife conservation with free public access. Several organizations collaborate to maintain this space:

• The Sid Vale Association (SVA): Owns and manages parts of the park with a specific focus on increasing wildflower diversity.

• East Devon District Council: Contributes to the overarching management of the area.

• Friends of the Byes: A volunteer organisation that carries out proactive projects to support the park's flora and fauna.

The Riverside Park ‘Cluster’

The park is not just a single field but an extensive network of natural sites. This "cluster" includes:

• Meadows: Margaret's Meadow, Gilchrist Field, Sid Meadow, and the Lavornia Field.

• Woodlands: Riverside Wood and specialised woodland areas within the "Upper Byes".

• Community Spaces: The Sidmouth Community Orchard.

Biodiversity and Habitats

Despite the challenges of being bordered by housing and high recreational use, the area remains a haven for nature. The landscape offers a diverse array of habitats:

• Waterways: The River Sid is the central natural feature, running through or adjacent to these sites.

• Flora: The area features formal parklands, grassy meadows, and extensive hedgerow scrub.

• Survey Areas: For the Sidmouth Nature project, the site is divided into "The Byes" and "Upper Byes" (split near the Margaret’s Meadow bridge), with additional survey stretches at Fortescue and Sidford to track biodiversity value.