Objectives: Knapp and Knowle

Peter Orchard

The Knapp and Knowle Cluster

Introduction:

The Knapp and Knowle Cluster of survey sites is a significant biodiversity network located on the western side of Sidmouth.. It consists of eight interconnected sites, six of which have been thoroughly surveyed, highlighting their varied habitats including grasslands, woodlands, and freshwater sources. The analysis underscores the cluster's ecological importance, noting that it hosts nearly half of all species recorded in the broader survey, particularly excelling in flowering plants and insects. Detailed descriptions of individual sites like The Knapp Nature Reserve, Peasland Knapp, Knapp Nature Pond, Sidmouth Cemetery, The Knowle, and Bickwell showcase their unique contributions to the cluster's overall species richness and habitat diversity. Management efforts by organisations like the Sid Vale Association are also discussed, emphasising community involvement in conservation.

The thread seeks to answer the following questions:

  • What geographical feature serves as the primary separator between the otherwise almost contiguous sites within the Knapp and Knowle cluster? Explain why, despite this separation, the sites are considered an integrated wildlife area.
  • Identify the two sites within the Knapp and Knowle cluster that were not surveyed by the Sidmouth Nature project. Briefly explain why these sites were excluded from the direct survey.
  • Which two species groups account for more than 50% of all recorded species within the cluster compared to the total survey area? What does this high percentage indicate about the cluster's ecological value?
  • Compare and contrast the Knapp and the Knowle sites in terms of their overall species richness. How do their sizes relate to their species counts?
  • Describe the primary management goal for Peaslands Knapp and the specific practice employed to achieve this. Why is the type of grassland found here considered particularly valuable?
  • Detail the invasive plant issue faced by the Knapp Nature Pond in early 2018. How was this issue addressed, and what specific steps were taken during the pond's restoration?
  • Explain the significance of ancient hedgerows within Sidmouth Cemetery and The Knapp. What role do they play for wildlife, specifically mentioning a rare bat species?
  • What historical management practice by T.L. Fish made The Knowle grounds a public attraction in the mid-19th century? How has the management of The Knowle's parkland changed more recently to benefit wildflower diversity?
  • What is the most commonly found plant habitat type in the cluster, and what percentage of all such species from the wider survey are found here? What potential challenge exists in interpreting this data?
  • Explain how the presence of Yellow Meadow Ant hills on Peaslands Knapp creates a unique micro-habitat. Name one plant that thrives in this specific environment and one animal that feeds on these ants.