Salcombe Ecology Network

To understand the health of the Salcombe Ecology Network, we must look beyond the scenery and into the data. A comprehensive survey of the 11 sites reveals a significant degree of biodiversity across all four primary categories of life.

1. The Power of Flora (Plants and Trees)

The network is a stronghold for regional plant life. Over half of all flora and tree/shrub species found in the wider Sidmouth area are represented within these 11 sites.

• Grassland Dominance: The network hosts over two-thirds of the grass species found in the entire region.

• The Fern Factor: Three-quarters of the regional fern family can be found here, particularly in the damp woodlands and along Milltown Lane.

• The Moss Paradox: While Page Wood contains "enormous quantities" of moss, it is dominated by just two species: Plait-leaved Cypress-moss and Wood Star-moss.

2. The Arthropod Report: Wings and Hoverers

The most successful animal group in the network is the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths).

• Butterfly Hotspots: In mid-summer, the grasslands are alive with Meadow Browns and Gatekeepers. More importantly, the network supports rare species like the Dark-green Fritillary, the Wall, and the nationally scarce Wood White.

• The Pollinator Gap: Interestingly, bees and wasps (Hymenoptera) appear under-represented. This may be due to regional pesticide use or a lack of their preferred pea-family flowers, such as clover.

• Hoverfly Havens: The presence of "umbellifer" flowers like Wild Carrot and Hogweed provides a vital food source for a high diversity of flies and hoverflies.

3. The Tetrapod Challenge: Birds and Mammals

The data reveals a "missing link" in the larger animal populations, highlighting areas where management needs to improve.

• Avian Decline: Bird diversity is currently low, reflecting a general decline in farmland species and the presence of conifer plantations, which many native birds find unsuitable.

• The Predator Indicator: A lack of birds of prey suggests that small mammals (which are often hidden or nocturnal) may be scarce in the current landscape.

• Reptile Scarcity: Sidmouth is not a stronghold for reptiles; the Slow-worm is currently the only species recorded in the network.

Biodiversity Representation (2026)

Class Network Species % of Regional Total Status

Grasses/Sedges 31 68.9% Strong

Lepidoptera 27 58.7% Strong

Ferns 11 73.3% Excellent

Mammals   3 42.9% Weak/Hidden

Birds 18 32.1% Recovery Needed