Skip to main content

Search

Displaying 1 - 50 of 1683
Short Title (Click to read the article) Introduction
14-spot Ladybird

Title: The Charming 14-Spot Ladybird: A Miniature Marvel of Nature

In the intricate world of insects, there exists a tiny creature adorned with vibrant hues and distinctive spots, captivating the hearts of nature enthusiasts worldwide. Meet the 14-Spot Ladybird (Propylea…

14-spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata)

Title: Nature Notes - 14-spot Ladybird (Propylea 14-punctata)

Some creatures you cannot miss when out for a walk but others are so small that you could certainly be forgiven for never seeing them. Even if you do see them then you need the advantage a close up camera lens can bring to…

2-spot Ladybird

Title: Exploring the Enigmatic 2-Spot Ladybird: Nature's Tiny Guardian

In the world of insects, there are creatures both charming and beneficial, and among them stands the diminutive yet remarkable 2-spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata). Despite its small size, this beetle plays a…

2-spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata)

Title: Nature Notes - 2-spot Ladybird (Adalia bipunctata)

If you see a red ladybird do not assume it is the familiar seven-spot that one commonly sees, there are ten or so red ladybird species although several are quite scarce unless you are in the right place at the right time! You need…

7-spot Ladybird

Title: The Magnificent Seven: Unveiling the Charm of the 7-Spot Ladybird

In the realm of insects, few creatures capture the imagination quite like the 7-spot ladybird (Coccinella septempunctata). With its distinctive red shell adorned by seven distinct black spots, this diminutive beetle…

7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata)

Title: Nature Notes - 7-spot Ladybird (Coccinella 7-punctata)

In early summer out in the garden you will be starting to encounter the familiar ladybird. The insects you find now will have hibernated over winter in a garden shed or somewhere safe and are now out and about feeding up and…

A1.1: Broad-leaved Woodland

Title: Phase 1 habitats - A1.1: Broad-leaved Woodland

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, broadleaf woodland is classified as A1.1. This category is further divided into two subcategories:

A1.1.1 Broadleaved woodland - semi-natural: This subcategory…

A1.2: Coniferous woodland and plantation

Title: Phase 1 habitats - A1.2: Coniferous woodland and plantation

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, coniferous plantation is classified as A1.2.2. This category includes woodlands that have been planted by humans with coniferous trees. Coniferous plantations are typically…

A3: Parkland and scattered trees

Title: Phase 1 habitats - A3: Parkland and scattered trees

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, parkland and scattered trees are classified as A3. This category includes areas of grassland or other open habitats that are interspersed with individual trees or small groups of…

A3: Parkland and scattered trees

Title: Phase 1 habitats - A3: Parkland and scattered trees

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, parkland and scattered trees are classified as A3. This category includes areas of grassland or other open habitats that are interspersed with individual trees or small groups of…

About Sidmouth Town

About Sidmouth Town

Where is Sidmouth located?

Sidmouth is a seaside town situated on the south coast of Devon, in the south-west of England. It falls within the East Devon district and is a part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its…

Agrimony

Title: Agrimony: Unveiling the Healing Secrets of a Timeless Herb

In the lush tapestry of nature's pharmacy, agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) emerges as a humble yet potent healer, revered for centuries for its myriad medicinal properties. This unassuming herb, with its delicate yellow…

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Title: Nature Notes - Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

After the purple and mauves of summer flowers we begin to see the predominant colour move back to yellow and it is a sure sign of high summer when agrimony starts to come out in to flower.Agrimony is a common flower of our roadsides,…

Alder

Title: Embracing the Alder Tree: A Cornerstone of Wetland Ecosystems

In the verdant landscapes of wetlands and riparian areas, the alder tree (Alnus) stands as a symbol of resilience, vitality, and ecological richness. Despite its unassuming appearance, this deciduous tree plays a…

Alder (Alnus incana)

Title: Nature Notes - Alder (Alnus incana)

Our native alder is a moderately small sized tree with a narrow crown and short, spreading branches. It grows extensively in damp places alongside streams, rivers, ponds and lakes as well as marshy areas.In some boggy areas it grows in great…

Alder Bracket

Title: Alder Bracket Fungus: Nature's Silent Sculptor of the Forest

In the shaded realms of damp woodlands and riverbanks, a silent sculptor quietly goes about its work, adorning the trunks of alder trees with intricate, woody shelves. This enigmatic artist is none other than the alder…

Alder Gall Mite (Eriophyes spp)

Title: Nature Notes -  Alder Gall Mite (Eriophyes spp)

Alder trees can be host to the alder gall mite which produces these wart-like structures on the leaves. The galls are spherical and little more than 2 mm in diameter. Each wart has a narrow opening on the underside of the leaf…

Alder Leaf Gall

Title: Unveiling the Enigmatic Alder Leaf Gall: Nature's Curious Creation

In the intricate dance of ecological interactions, even the most seemingly mundane occurrences can hold profound significance. Enter the alder leaf gall, a curious phenomenon that captivates the curious minds of…

Alexanders

Title: Alexanders: Unraveling the Culinary and Medicinal Secrets of Nature's Gift

In the realm of wild edibles and herbal remedies, few plants hold the diverse array of applications and historical significance as Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). This resilient and versatile herb has been…

Alexanders [Smyrnium olusatrum]

Title: Nature Notes - Alexanders [Smyrnium olusatrum]

The carrot family is a diverse one with many species, some very common others, as you might expect, very rare. One of the first of the family to flower each year is Alexander's which comes into flower in March, some even in February.…

Alma Field FAQ

1. What is Alma Field and where is it located?

Alma Field is a publicly accessible wildflower meadow situated on the cliff top on the eastern edge of Sidmouth, Devon. It offers breathtaking views of the town and surrounding countryside.

2. How can I get to Alma Field?

You…

American Willowherb

Title: American Willowherb: Unveiling the Hidden Beauty and Healing Potential of a Native Wildflower

In the verdant landscapes of North America, amidst meadows, woodlands, and riverbanks, the American Willowherb (Epilobium ciliatum) emerges as a delicate yet resilient wildflower,…

Angiosperms Summary

Angiosperms: Summary

What are the primary characteristics of flowering plants (angiosperms) and why are they so diverse and ecologically important?
Flowering plants, or angiosperms, are defined by their highly efficient reproductive structures: the flower heads. These…

Annual meadow-grass

Title: Annual Meadow Grass: Exploring the Resilient Yet Misunderstood Lawn Invader

In the world of lawns and landscapes, few grass species evoke as much frustration and disdain as annual meadow grass (Poa annua). Often perceived as a stubborn weed and an unwelcome intruder in…

Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua)

Title: Nature Notes -  Annual Meadow-grass (Poa annua) 

Annual meadow-grass has to be the most common grass species of ground that is frequently disturbed and can be found almost anywhere! It is one of those 'conflict' species that people plant where they want it (lawns,…

Apple Mint

Title: Exploring the Refreshing Allure of Apple Mint: A Delightful Addition to Your Garden and Kitchen

In the realm of culinary and aromatic delights, few herbs rival the refreshing allure of apple mint. With its invigorating scent reminiscent of fresh green apples and its versatility in…

Arachnids

Arachnids: The Fascinating World of Eight-Legged Wonders

What are arachnids?

Arachnids

Arachnids: The Fascinating World of Eight-Legged Wonders

What are arachnids?

Around the Town Analysis

Around the Town Cluster: A Habitat Analysis

What are the predominant habitat types for plant life in the Town Cluster?

Around the Town Importance

Around the Town Cluster: Biodiversity Importance

What is the overall importance of the town parks and gardens for biodiversity in the surveyed area?

Around the town Introduction

Around the Town Cluster: Introduction

What is "brownfield" in the context of Sidmouth's urban ecology?

Around the town Introduction

Around the Town Cluster: Introduction

What is "brownfield" in the context of Sidmouth's urban ecology?

Around the Town Summary

Around the Town cluster: A Summary

What defines Sidmouth's town landscapes, and how do they contribute to local biodiversity despite human impact?
Sidmouth's town landscapes encompass diverse areas, including coastal regions, managed gardens, and riverbanks. These…

Arthropods Introduction

Arthropods: The Armoured Architects of the Animal Kingdom

What exactly are arthropods?

Arthropods Introduction

Arthropods: The Armoured Architects of the Animal Kingdom

What exactly are arthropods?

Arthropods Summary

Summary: Arthropods

What exactly are arthropods?
Arthropods are invertebrates, meaning they lack a backbone. They are the largest and most diverse group of animals on Earth, distinguished by three key features: a hard exoskeleton made of chitin, a segmented body, and…

Artists Bracket

Title: Unveiling the Intriguing World of Artist's Bracket Fungus: Nature's Canvas of Wonder

Nature has long been an inspiration for artists across the globe, but perhaps none so unexpectedly as the Artist's Bracket Fungus. This remarkable organism, with its striking patterns and…

Arums - Araceae

Title: Arum Family (Araceae): Exploring the Enigmatic World of Arums and Aroids

In the lush undergrowth of tropical rainforests and the moist soils of temperate woodlands, a diverse family of plants thrives, captivating botanists and enthusiasts alike with their striking foliage and…

Ash

Title: The Majesty and Importance of the Ash Tree: Guardian of the Forests

Standing tall and commanding in forests, parks, and landscapes around the world, the ash tree holds a special place in both natural ecosystems and human culture. With its graceful form, versatile wood, and…

Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

Title: Nature Notes - Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)

The ash is a fine, tall, upstanding member of the tree community. The main trunk reaches a point where it divides into many branches that go upwards rather than stretching outwards.They are usually found in clusters too, rather than as…

Aspen

Aspen: A Whispering Wonder of the British Countryside

The aspen (Populus tremula) is one of Britain’s most intriguing native trees—elegant, elusive, and full of hidden life. Found scattered across the UK, particularly in Scotland and upland parts of England and Wales, this quiet tree…

Atlantic Ivy

Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica): The Hardy Climber of the Atlantic Coast

Introduction

Atlantic Ivy (Hedera hibernica), also known as…

Autumn Hawkbit

Title: Celebrating Autumn Hawkbit: The Charming Wildflower of the Fall Meadows

As summer fades into memory and the landscape transitions into a tapestry of warm hues, one wildflower stands out amidst the autumnal splendor: the Autumn Hawkbit. With its delicate blooms and cheerful…

Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis)

Title: Nature Notes - Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis)

There are lots of flowers we call dandelions and many, of course, are not! They may have yellow dandelion flower heads and turn into dandelion clocks but they are not dandelions. The challenge is telling them apart.I am not a…

Azure Damselfly

Title: Discovering the Enchanting Azure Damselfly: A Jewel of Summer Wetlands

As the warm hues of summer paint the landscape, nature unveils its own miniature marvels, among which the Azure Damselfly shines like a radiant gem. With its delicate wings shimmering in the sunlight and its…

Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)

Title: Nature Notes -  Azure Damselfly (Coenagrion puella)

This is a common blue damselfly but is not THE common blue damselfly! There is a tiny difference between the common blue and the azure damselfly and closer inspection of the first segment of the abdomen will reveal that this…

B1: Acid Grassland

Title: Phase 1 habitats - B1: Acid Grassland

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, acid grassland is classified as B1. This category includes areas of open, uncultivated land that are dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. Acid grasslands are typically found on…

B2: Neutral Grassland

Title: Phase 1 habitats - B2: Neutral Grassland

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, neutral grassland is classified as B2. This category includes areas of open, uncultivated land that are dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants. Neutral grasslands are typically…

B3: Calcareous Grassland

Title: Phase 1 habitats - B3: Calcareous Grassland

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, calcareous grassland is classified as B3. This category includes areas of open, uncultivated land that are dominated by grasses and other herbaceous plants and are found on thin, lime-rich…

B4: Improved grassland

Title: Phase 1 habitats - B4: Improved grassland 

In the UK Phase 1 Habitat Classification system, improved grassland is classified as B4. This category includes areas of grassland that have been modified by humans to increase their productivity for agriculture. Improved grasslands…