Work Rest and Play

To further your learning and provide external validation for the concepts covered in this series, here are some of the most authoritative websites regarding brownfield ecology, UK conservation, and Sidmouth’s local natural history.

1. The Sid Valley Biodiversity Group (SVBG)

Since much of the data in this series comes from local efforts, this is your primary source for Sidmouth-specific updates. They coordinate the surveys, identify "hotspots," and provide detailed reports on local flora and fauna.

• What to look for: Local survey results, volunteer opportunities, and the "Sidmouth Nature" project details.

• Website: sidvalleybiodiversity.org

2. Buglife: The Invertebrate Conservation Trust

Buglife is the leading UK organisation advocating for brownfield sites. They famously coined the term "Brownfields: Our Urban Rainforests."

• What to look for: Information on Open Mosaic Habitat, why brownfields are vital for rare bees and beetles, and their "B-Lines" project which focuses on wildlife corridors.

• Website: buglife.org.uk

3. The Sid Vale Association (SVA)

The SVA is the oldest civic society in Britain and owns/manages several of the sites mentioned in this series, including parts of The Byes and Livornia Field.

• What to look for: History of the land, maps of the Riverside Park, and information on how they manage land for biodiversity.

• Website: sidvaleassociation.org.uk

4. JNCC (Joint Nature Conservation Committee)

For a deeper dive into the technical side of habitat surveying (like the Phase 1 Habitat Survey mentioned in Part 2), the JNCC is the public body that advises the UK Government on nature conservation.

• What to look for: The Phase 1 Habitat Survey Handbook (available as a free PDF) and definitions of "UK Biodiversity Action Plan" (BAP) priority habitats.

• Website: jncc.gov.uk

5. Wildlife Trusts: Brownfield Habitats

The Wildlife Trusts provide excellent, learner-friendly overviews of various habitats. Their page on brownfields explains the "succession" process in simple terms.

• What to look for: Identification guides for "pioneer" species like Bird's-foot-trefoil and various orchids.

• Website: wildlifetrusts.org

6. Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland (BSBI)

If you were intrigued by the "garden escapes" and rare flora mentioned in Part 8, the BSBI is the best resource for plant identification and distribution maps.

• What to look for: The "Plant Atlas" to see if the species found in Sidmouth are rare nationally or common "aliens."

• Website: bsbi.org

7. Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC)

For those interested in the data side (Part 5), the DBRC manages the database of all wildlife sightings across the county.

• What to look for: Information on how to submit your own sightings so they can be included in future scientific data sets.

• Website: dbrc.org.uk