Freshwater

Freshwater habitats are defined by the continual presence of water that is either stationary or moving. Because water is essential for almost all life forms, these sites are often the best places to observe a high density of wildlife.

The Two Faces of Fresh Water

In the Phase 1 Classification system, freshwater is primarily divided by how it moves:

• Standing Water (Lakes and Ponds): Still environments that vary by scale. Lakes are typically large and deep, often resulting from past mineral extraction. Ponds are smaller and frequently human-made for livestock or historical industry.

• Running Water (Rivers and Streams): Dynamic systems where the speed of flow dictates the habitat.

  • Fast-flowing rivers are high-energy environments often found in hilly terrain.

  • Slow-moving rivers meander through low-lying areas, accumulating silt and supporting different aquatic communities.

Why Water Quality Matters

Clean water is a rare and vital resource. Many species, such as dragonflies and damselflies, serve as "bio-indicators". Because they spend most of their lives underwater as predatory larvae, their presence proves that the water environment is healthy and unpolluted.

Nature’s Detectives: In the UK, there are 57 species of Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies). Their diverse requirements mean that specific species will only prosper in particular conditions, making them perfect for measuring habitat health.

Freshwater in Sidmouth: A Rare Treasure

Despite being located in the Sid Valley, finding sites where freshwater is the dominant habitat is surprisingly difficult. While the River Sid runs the length of the valley, its influence only truly dominates two of the surveyed sites.

Local Sites:

• Deepway Meadow: Restored Pond - Supports specialized water margin vegetation.

• Fortescue: River Course - Dominates the neighboring pasture ecology.

• Sidford: River Course - Shapes the surrounding land use.

• The Knapp: Nature Pond - Provides a vital hub for garden-related species.

The Biodiversity Bonus: Even across just four local sites, surveys recorded 38 species of arthropods (including insects) and 28 species of water margin plants. This highlights that where there is water, life will follow.