Autumn in Sidmouth

From September through the end of November, Sidmouth undergoes a dramatic transformation. As the days shorten and temperatures cool, the landscape shifts into a slower, more tranquil rhythm, painting the town and hills in rich hues of gold, orange, red, and brown.

The Science of Changing Leaves

The mesmerising tapestry across our woodlands and parks is caused by the breakdown of green chlorophyll in the leaves. As this green pigment fades, other vibrant shades emerge:

• British Oak: Turns a deep, rich amber.

• Maples & Sycamores: Blaze with bright reds and oranges.

• Beech Trees: Known for their smooth grey bark, their expansive canopies turn a rich copper, casting a warm glow over the forest floor.

Wildlife Preparing for Winter

While we enjoy the crisp air and vibrant foliage, Sidmouth’s wildlife is hard at work.

Industrious Mammals and Birds

• Grey Squirrels: Frequently seen darting up trees or scampering across lawns as they gather acorns and chestnuts to store for the winter.

• Coastal Specialities: In early September, the flock of Turnstones that winters on our seafront returns "as if by magic"—one day they are absent, the next they are occupying the beach and sea defences.

• Resident Activity: While swallows and warblers have migrated south, robins, blackbirds, and wrens remain active. Look for flocks of starlings feeding on grassy spaces and an increase in pied wagtails along the Esplanade.

Hedgerows and the "Ivy Bee"

The countryside hedgerows are currently bursting with fruit, including blackberries, sloes, elderberries, and rose hips.

• Late-Season Nectar: Ivy begins to bloom in autumn, providing a vital feast for butterflies, hoverflies, and wasps.

• The Ivy Bee (Colletes hederae): A newly arrived species in Britain, this specialist bee feeds on no other plants and times its emergence to coincide perfectly with the ivy blossom.

Seasonal Weather: From Mists to Storms

Autumn weather in Sidmouth is famously unpredictable.

• Indian Summers: September can occasionally bring unexpectedly warm, sunny days.

• Mists and Rainfall: By October, temperatures drop consistently and characteristic mists begin to roll in as rainfall increases.

• The Power of the Sea: Occasional autumn storms bring waves crashing against the sea wall, showering spray and stones across the Esplanade. These storms often strip the trees of their leaves in a dramatic fashion, creating the thick, crunchy carpet underfoot that eventually enriches the soil.

The Bounty of Fungi

For many, the highlight of the season is the emergence of mushrooms and fungi. The woodland areas on Peak Hill and Soldier’s Hill are prime locations for observing species like puffballs, chanterelles, and field mushrooms.

Note on Foraging: Many poisonous species closely resemble edible counterparts; identifying mushrooms requires expert knowledge and caution.