Explore the western woodlands of Sidmouth. Discover the commercial legacy of Bulverton Hill, the nature corridors of Greystone, and the garden history of Peak Wood.
The western flank of the Sid Valley features three distinct woodland areas: Bulverton Hill, Greystone and Lydes Hill, and Peak Wood. While many of these are managed for timber, they also serve as vital ecological corridors.
Bulverton Hill is a high-altitude site offering panoramic views of the valley and sea. It is owned by Clinton Devon Estates and managed primarily for commercial timber.
Composition: Primarily an extensive commercial plantation of Douglas Fir.
The Heathland Connection: Historically, this area was heathland before being converted to forestry.
Ecological Insight: While dense conifers can suppress native wildlife, the presence of Bluebells indicates pockets where natural woodland flora still survives.
Adjacent to Muttersmoor, these hills act as a transition zone between the heath and the commercial forest.
The Bridleway Corridor: A wide bridleway runs the length of the hill. This open space is crucial; it acts as a "natural gap" through the dense conifers, allowing heath grasses, lichens, mosses, and invertebrates to flourish.
A Botanical Rarity: A very small colony (less than 2 m^2) of Yellow Pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum) has been recorded here. While too small to officially classify the wood as an NVC W7 community, it remains a site of high interest.
Managed by the National Trust, Peak Wood is located on the western edge of Sidmouth. It has a softer, more "open" character compared to the heavy plantations nearby.
Woodland Dominance: The survey recorded 101 plant species, with a 69.3% dominance of woodland-specific species—placing it just below the "ancient" 70% threshold.
Garden History: The presence of a boundary bank and tree-lined border suggests this may have once been part of an enclosed garden or managed pasture where grazing animals were excluded.
Flora: In April, the wood is filled with Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea).
Feature Bulverton Hill Greystone & Lydes Peak Wood
Management Tilhill Forestry Clinton estates National Trust
Key Species Douglas Fir Lichens, Heath grass Various flora
Geology Upper Greensand Upper Greensand Upper Greensand
Best For... Valley & Sea views Invertebrate spotting Level, scenic walks
Click the site title if you would like detailed information on any of these sites
Before you go:
Objective: To observe how "open space" within a forest changes the species you find.
The Bridleway Survey: Walk the bridleway from Muttersmoor toward Bulverton. Count how many different types of flowers or insects you see in this open "sunlight corridor".
The Deep Forest Contrast: Step 10 meters into the dense Douglas Fir plantation. How does the number of plants on the ground change? (This demonstrates the "suppression" mentioned in the article) .
Find the History: At Peak Wood, look for the old boundary bank. Can you see how this physical man-made feature created a different habitat from the open pastures next door?.