Pastures New ... and Old

The Myth of the "Wild" Meadow

When you look across a rolling green field in Sidmouth, do you see an untouched piece of nature or a living history book? It is easy to assume that a meadow is simply "wild," a pastoral scene unchanged for millennia. But the reality is far more complex and far more interesting. Recent data from the Sidmouth Nature project survey reveals that our local grasslands are actually intricate mosaics of geological shifts, ancient farming practices, and hidden biological signatures. By analysing the plants growing beneath our feet, we can peel back the layers of the landscape to reveal the stories written in the soil.

The "Invisible" Hand of Agriculture

While many of our fields appear rugged and natural, they are technically classified as  semi-improved  grassland. This means the land has been subtly but permanently reshaped by human hands to be more productive for livestock. To find the evidence, ecologists look for four "indicator species": crested dog’s tail, white clover, the common daisy, and Timothy grass.

The survey found that the first three—crested dog’s tail, white clover, and the daisy—are almost universal across Sidmouth. However,  Timothy grass  proved to be the outlier, appearing as the rarest of the four indicators. Still, with an average of 3.3 indicators per site, the agricultural past of these fields is undeniable. The vibrant green we see today is less a "pure" state of nature and more a legacy of nitrogen and grazing. As the project findings note:

"Agricultural practices of the past have neutralised the natural influence of the soils by the addition of nitrogen fertilisers and faeces from grazing animals."

Geology at the Cliff’s Edge: The Lincombe Exception

Soil chemistry acts as a fingerprint for the underlying geology. If you want to see the exact moment Sidmouth’s earth changes, look to Lincombe. It sits at a dramatic transition point where the iconic red sandstones of our coastline give way to stark white chalk cliffs.

This geological shift creates a botanical wonderland; Lincombe is the only site within the survey area where calcareous (lime-loving) plants dominate, hosting a staggering 65% of all calcareous-preferring species recorded in the entire survey. Contrast this with Peak Hill, where the earth tells a different story. Located on the Upper Greensand layer, Peak Hill is acidic in nature. It is so distinct that it hosts  4 out of the 6  acid-preferring species found across the  entire  regional survey, offering a glimpse into a habitat more akin to a wild heath than a traditional meadow.

Why "Weeds" are a Biodiversity Powerhouse

To a gardener, a "weed" is an intruder. To a nature journalist, it’s a storyteller. The survey unearthed a ghost map of ancient ploughing through 114 species of "weeds of cultivation"—the remnants of old crop-growing practices. This group was actually the most diverse category found, even surpassing scrub (92 species).

Far from being a sign of a "ruined" ecosystem, these plants are the engine room of local biodiversity. Take Alma Field: while 35.7% of its species are technically "agricultural weeds," it remains a naturally rich haven for invertebrates. These "disturbed" lands provide a varied buffet for insects, proving that a site doesn't have to be "botanically pure" to be ecologically vital.

The Steepness of Purity: Peasland Knapp

In the world of ecology, geography is often destiny. Peasland Knapp serves as a remarkable "geographical survivor" because of its daunting terrain. While it is now almost entirely hemmed in by modern housing, the survey found only eight weed species there.

The secret to its purity is its incline. Because the land was too steep for the heavy machinery of traditional crop cultivation, it was never subjected to the same level of ploughing and disturbance as the flatter fields nearby. This left it as an almost "pure" relic of ancient grassland. This stands in sharp contrast to The Knowle, which recorded 38 weed species—a direct result of its history as a managed garden and more recent efforts to reseed the area with wildflower mixes.

The Fungus That Proves a History of Grazing

Peak Hill holds a unique status among Sidmouth’s grasslands, but you have to look closely at the ground to see why. The hill supports an extensive population of waxcap fungi—vibrant, jewel-like mushrooms that serve as a biological seal of approval.

The presence of these fungi is a "smoking gun" for history: it proves the land has  never  been used for crop cultivation or ploughed. Instead, Peak Hill has been maintained for generations by the steady, rhythmic grazing of sheep. This ancient partnership between animal and earth is what keeps the scrub—specifically gorse—at bay, preserving a fungal heritage that is unique in the Sidmouth area.

The Future of the Meadow

Ultimately, the richness of our local environment is a product of both size and history. The survey data highlights a clear "gold standard": the larger the site, the higher the species count.  Combe Wood Farm  stands as the champion of this rule, boasting a massive  134 species .

As we look ahead, the profile of these spaces is shifting once more. Ongoing rewilding efforts at Combe Wood Farm and The Knowle offer a glimpse into the future. We are watching in real-time to see how diversity flourishes when the heavy hand of agricultural intervention is lifted.

The next time you walk through a local field, ask yourself: what secrets is this land keeping? Is it a survivor of steep slopes, a remnant of a grand garden, or a place where the very soil was transformed by the farmers of centuries past? Our grasslands are far more than just green space; they are a living, breathing record of Sidmouth’s heritage.