How do we classify Sidmouth's woods? Learn about the NVC system, the dominance of Beech and Ash, and why Dog's Mercury is a "ghost" of ancient forests.
To truly understand the nature of a woodland, ecologists use the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system. This system identifies 19 specific communities of plants and trees that are considered true woodland. Each community is defined by "key vegetative species"—specific plants that, when found together, tell us what kind of wood we are standing in.
The NVC system identifies 13 species of trees that are native to Britain and indicate a "natural" habitat. By looking at which of these grow in Sidmouth, we can see how "natural" our local woods really are.
Frequency of Native Trees in Sidmouth Woodland Sites:
Tree Species Found in Sidmouth? Frequency in Woodland Sites
Beech Yes 66.7%
Ash Yes 58.3%
Rowan Yes 33.3%
Field Maple Yes 33.3%
Scots Pine Introduced 25.0%
Pedunculate Oak Yes 16.7%
Common Alder Yes 16.7%
The Findings: Out of the 13 indicator species, six do not occur naturally in Sidmouth. While species like Scots Pine and Yew are present, they are known to have been introduced by people rather than growing here naturally.
Since Beech and Ash are the only native species occurring frequently across local woodland sites, we can narrow down our search for "natural" woodland types to just five NVC classifications :
W7: Alder/Ash - Yellow Pimpernel
W8: Ash - Field Maple - Dog’s Mercury
W9: Ash - Rowan - Dog’s Mercury
W12: Beech - Dog’s Mercury
W14: Beech - Bramble
To confirm these classifications, we must look at the plants on the ground. However, Sidmouth’s ground flora tells a complicated story:
The Case of the Yellow Pimpernel (W7)
Yellow Pimpernel has been found at Harpford Wood, Riverside Wood, and Greystone & Lydes Hill. However, the colonies are so small (only a few square meters) that it isn't enough to officially classify these as W7 "Alder/Ash" woodlands.
The Case of Dog's Mercury (W8, W9, W12)
Dog’s Mercury is often a key indicator, but in Sidmouth, it behaves strangely:
It is found on 13 sites, but only three of those are actual woods (Riverside, Harcombe Lane, and Milltown Lane).
The Verdict: In our area, Dog’s Mercury seems to be an indicator of where woodland used to stand (like old forest paths) rather than the nature of the woods we see today.
When we strip away the rare plants and the introduced species, we reach a clear conclusion for the Sidmouth area:
The vast majority of our remaining woodland sites are either NVC W14 (Beech - Bramble) or have been artificially created as plantations.
Before you go:
Objective: To identify native indicator trees and determine if the ground flora matches the NVC W14 (Beech-Bramble) classification common in Sidmouth.
Part 1: The Native Tree Audit
Using the table from the article, walk through your chosen site and create a "Frequency Map."
Identify the 'Big Two': Can you find Beech and Ash? These are the primary indicators for Sidmouth.
The Intruder Search: Look for Scots Pine or Larch. If you find these, remember the article's lesson: these were likely introduced by humans.
The Rarity Hunt: Can you find a Rowan or Field Maple? (The article suggests these are only found in about 33% of local sites).
Part 2: Searching for "Woodland Ghosts" (Dog's Mercury)
The article mentions that Dog’s Mercury often appears where woodland used to be, even if the trees are gone.
Locate the Verges: If you are walking along a lane (like Harcombe or Milltown), look at the base of the hedgerows.
Identify the Plant: Look for a low-growing green plant with paired, pointed leaves and a distinct "mousy" smell when crushed.
The Theory: If you find it in a place that doesn't look like a wood today, you’ve found a "ghost"—an indicator of an ancient forest boundary!
Part 3: The W14 Square (Beech & Bramble)
Since most Sidmouth woods are classified as W14, let’s see if your site fits the mold. Find a 2m x 2m patch of ground under a Beech tree.
Count the Brambles: Is the ground dominated by Bramble (Rubus fruticosus)?
Check for 'Exclusives': Do you see any Yellow Pimpernel? If so, measure the patch. Is it smaller than 2 meters? (If yes, you’ve confirmed why these aren't classified as W7 Alder/Ash woods).
The Soil Connection: Dig slightly into the leaf litter. Beech woods often have very thick "duff" (decomposing leaves) which prevents many flowers from growing, leaving only hardy plants like Brambles.