Telling Woods from the Trees

To further your learning here are some relevant and reputable sources for the topics covered in this series.

1. The National Vegetation Classification (NVC)

A large part of this topic focuses on NVC W14 and ecological "signatures," these links provide the official scientific framework.

• Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) - NVC Field Guide: This is the "gold standard" for UK habitat classification. You can find detailed technical descriptions for every woodland community from W1 to W19.

• British Plant Communities (Woodlands): A link to the digitised version of John Rodwell’s seminal work which founded the NVC system.

2. Identifying Ancient Woodland & Indicators

To help you identify the "ghosts" of the landscape like Dog's Mercury or Yellow Pimpernel.

• The Woodland Trust - Ancient Woodland Indicators: An excellent resource for identifying the specific flowers and plants that prove a wood has existed since 1600 AD.

• Plantlife - Woodland Guide: A beginner-friendly site focused on the wildflowers and flora found in British woods.

3. Forestry and Plantation History

For background on why Sidmouth has so many Douglas Fir and Spruce plantations.

• Forestry England - Our History: Explains the 20th-century push for strategic timber reserves that shaped the current landscape of the Sid Valley.

• Clinton Devon Estates - Conservation: Since they own several sites mentioned (like Harpford and Bulverton), their site provides context on how they balance commercial timber with modern ecology.

4. Local Sidmouth Context

For specific local data and community involvement.

• The Sid Vale Association (SVA): The owners of Bluebell Wood and many local nature reserves. They offer historical maps and conservation updates for the Sid Valley.

• East Devon AONB (National Landscape): Provides the broader geographic context for the Pebblebed Heaths and the "Greensand" geology mentioned in your articles.

5. Professional Surveying Standards

If you want to know more about the "Phase 1" methodology mentioned.

• CIEEM (Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management): This site explains how professional ecologists conduct the surveys you described in Article 1.

And there is the Sidmouth Nature 'studio' with much more information and learning materials ...