Salcombe Ecology Network

A healthy ecosystem relies on a simple but powerful principle: diversity equals abundance. By weaving together a dense tapestry of different habitats, the Salcombe Network supports a staggering range of species despite its relatively small geographic footprint.

1. The Woodland Powerhouse

The network's broadleaf woodlands, anchored by Page Wood and Combe Head Wood, are the dominant plant communities.

• Species Density: A remarkable 80.5% of all broadleaf woodland species found across the entire Sidmouth area are present within this small 11-site network.

• Key Flora: These woods are characterised by mosses, ferns, and vibrant spring bluebells.

2. The Hilltop Wetland Paradox

One of the most surprising findings is the high abundance of wet grassland species thriving on a hilltop—an area usually associated with rapid drainage.

• Hidden Hydrology: A stream runs from Salcombe to the sea through the Coombe Wood Farm area, providing a reliable moisture source at high elevation.

• Adaptable Species: Many "wetland" plants, such as the Meadow Buttercup, are ecological opportunists that flourish across varying moisture levels.

3. The "Ghost" of Farmland Past

The network serves as a living record of human history. Much of this land was once active farmland, evidenced by species associated with "cultivated and disturbed land".

• The Fading Legacy: In areas like Alma Field, species like the Corn Marigold and Corncockle are disappearing because the land is no longer regularly churned by agricultural machinery.

• Management Impact: Without specific types of disturbance, these biological signatures of the area's agricultural history will eventually vanish.

4. Shifting Soils: Acid to Alkaline

Beneath the surface, the soil chemistry is changing.

• The Heathland Anchor: Only the grounds of the Lockyer Observatory retain the historic dry heathland (heather and gorse) typical of the upper greensands.

• The Slow Alchemy: Decades of "agricultural improvement" (using lime and fertilisers) have pushed the soil toward an alkaline base, allowing neutral grassland species to move in and replace acid-loving plants.

Data Snapshot: Habitat Significance

The Network Index reflects the total quantity (abundance) of individual plants, showing the true significance of each habitat type.

Habitat Type Network Species % of Total Surveyed Area

Broadleaved woodland 68 69.4%

Hedgerow scrub 37 68.5%

Wet grassland 37 61.7%

Scrub 48 58.5%

Cultivated/Disturbed 67 57.8%