Around the Town 

Sidmouth’s town centre is a unique ecological "brownfield" site. While human intervention has altered the landscape, the town has become a vital bridge linking the larger ecological networks of the east and west valleys.

Our Ecological Strengths

• Vital Connectivity: The seven central town sites form a connected ecosystem that acts as a bridge for species moving across the valley.

• Diverse Habitats: Despite its small size, the town supports 17 distinct habitat types and 157 floral species.

• Coastal Specialists: The town is a sanctuary for 100% of the region's shingle-associated species.

• Cryptogam Haven: Old flint walls and shaded valleys like Glen Goyle make the town a stronghold for mosses, lichens, and ferns.

Areas for Improvement (Weaknesses)

• Habitat Fragmentation: Densely populated areas lack large, continuous blocks of woodland or scrub.

• Low Invertebrate Variety: Insect life—particularly "true bugs" (Hemiptera)—is poorly represented due to a historical lack of native plants in formal gardens.

• Modified Waterways: The Lower Sid's concrete banks and fast flow limit niches for aquatic life.

Opportunities for Growth

• Progressive Policy: Moving toward a herbicide-free status and implementing the "Three-Tier" mowing regime will naturally boost pollinator numbers.

• Biodiversity Net Gain: New developments are now pushed to achieve a 20% biodiversity increase, integrating nature into the very fabric of new buildings.

• Community Action: Volunteer groups like the Friends of Glen Goyle and the Sidcombers are leading the way in restoring neglected spaces.

External Threats

• Tourism vs. Ecology: High-impact events can lead to soil compaction, which damages tree roots and drainage.

• Environmental Hazards: Coastal erosion and winter storms can physically destroy delicate habitats like the Beach Garden.

• Public Perception: Some vital native plants are still viewed as "eyesores" or "weeds" by the public.