Salcombe Ecology Network

Based on the ecological themes and specific sites mentioned in this topic, several organisations and projects provide more detailed data, live updates, and mapping of these networks.

1. Landscape Recovery & Strategic Connectivity

• Heaths to Sea Landscape Recovery Project: This is the official site for the "nature highway" mentioned in your document. It provides detailed maps and long-term goals for connecting the Pebblebed Heaths to the Jurassic Coast, including the specific role of the Salcombe Hill area.

• Clinton Devon Estates - Nature Recovery: As a lead partner in the Heaths to Sea project, their site offers insights into the "regenerative farming" and "wood pasture" transitions mentioned in your document (specifically for areas like South Combe and Otterton Hill).

2. Site-Specific Management & Biodiversity Data

• Sid Vale Association (SVA): The SVA manages several sites in the network (Bluebell Wood, Soldier’s Hill, Combe Head). Their "SVA Land" section provides historical context and current volunteer-led management activities for these specific plots.

• National Trust - Sidmouth Countryside: Covers the management of the larger coastal blocks. You can find information here regarding their "halo thinning" forestry techniques and the protection of the Sidmouth to Beer Coast SSSI.

3. Specialist Conservation & Geology

• Norman Lockyer Observatory (NLO): While primarily an astronomical site, the NLO website and associated community asset transfer documents provide information on the Coastal Lowland Heath restoration occurring on their grounds.

• Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS): This site provides technical data on the "Sidmouth to Dorset coastal wildbelt," highlighting the rare invertebrates (like the Small Blue butterfly) and the unique "sandwich" geology mentioned in your report.

• Jurassic Coast Trust: Useful for understanding the "terrain instability" and "sliding" geology (Greensand over mudstone) that threatens the physical paths and habitats of the Salcombe network.

4. Community Involvement

• Sid Valley Biodiversity Group (SVBG): This group often organises the "Citizen Science" walks and "Nature Labs" mentioned in section 3 of your report. Their site is the best place to find recent species sightings (like the Cirl Bunting) within the network.