Riverside Park

How effective is the Riverside Park as a "wildlife highway"? By comparing the number of species found in this cluster to the total recorded across the entire Sidmouth area, we can see exactly where this network excels.

A Haven for Trees and Ferns

The most striking success of the park is its collection of Trees and Shrubs, with 73.3% of all species recorded in the region found here. This is largely due to the area’s "parkland heritage," which has left a legacy of diverse woody species.

Pteridophytes (ferns) are also highly successful, with 60% of the region's species present, thriving in the damp, shaded areas along the river.

The Grassland and Insect Balance

Despite the extensive meadows, there are some surprising gaps in diversity:

• Grass Diversity: Only 23 out of 45 regional grass species are found here. This is likely because much of the land was historically used for livestock grazing, which can lead to a less diverse "sward".

• Bees, Wasps, and Ants (Hymenoptera): This is the only insect group where more than 50% of the regional species are present, thanks largely to the wildflowers in Sid Meadow.

• Dragonflies and Damselflies: Only 4 species were recorded. Most prefer standing water rather than the fast-moving River Sid.

The "Human Factor" on Fauna

The data suggests that human and pet activity significantly impacts local wildlife:

• Mammals: Only 3 species were officially observed. Many mammals are nocturnal or nervous of the high volume of people and "keep a low profile".

• Birds: While 23 species were counted, this may be understated. However, the high number of dogs along the river is noted as a primary reason for the limited count of sensitive waterside bird species.

• High Volume vs. Low Variety: Some areas show a trend of "high volume/low variety," such as the massive carpets of Meadow Buttercup in Margaret’s Meadow or Wild Carrot in Sid Meadow.

Biodiversity Comparison Table (Snapshot)

Species Group Species in Network % of Total Sidmouth Survey

Trees and Shrubs 33 73.3%

Ferns (Pteridophytes)   9 60.0%

Bees/Wasps/Ants 16 57.1%

Birds 23 41.1%

Mosses (Bryophytes)     8 25.8%