Riverside Park

1: Down by the River Side

Discover The Byes in Sidmouth, a 2km "wildlife highway" of meadows, woodlands, and river habitats managed by the SVA and local volunteers.

Better known locally as The Byes, Riverside Park is the most recognisable ecology network in the Sidmouth area. It consists of nine distinct sites along the lower reaches of the River Sid, stretching approximately two kilometres between Sidford and the Old Toll House. As the valley's primary "wildlife highway," it serves as a critical green space for the region.

A Mosaic of Habitats

The park is more than just a walking path; it is a diverse cluster of interconnected natural sites. This proximity creates an extensive and valuable infrastructure for local nature. Key areas include:

Grassy Meadows: Margaret’s Meadow, Gilchrist Field, Sid Meadow, and the Community Orchard.
Woodlands: Riverside Wood and the wooded stretches of the Upper Byes.
River Ecosystem: The River Sid remains the central natural feature, either flowing through or directly alongside these sites.
Hedgerows: Extensive hedgerow scrub across all sites provides essential diversity for flora and fauna.

Conservation and Management

The park is managed to balance wildlife conservation with free public access. Management is a collaborative effort:

Sid Vale Association (SVA): Owns and manages parts of the park with a focus on wildflower diversity.
East Devon District Council: Contributes to the overall maintenance and oversight.
Volunteers: Groups like the "Friends of the Byes" carry out proactive projects to extend biodiversity.

In the 2025/26 period, management strategies have shifted to distinguish between meadow needs and wooded riverbanks. This ensures a "mosaic" of varied habitats rather than a uniform green strip.

Connectivity and Protection

For the Sidmouth Nature project, the area is monitored in two main sections—The Byes and Upper Byes—with the division point near the bridge south of Margaret’s Meadow.

Site Name Protection Total Connections

Margaret’s Meadow Sid Vale Association 4

Gilchrist Field Sid Vale Association 4

Upper Byes N/A 4

The Byes Friends of the Byes 3

Community Orchard Sid Vale Association 2

Sid Meadow National Trust 2

Riverside Wood Sid Vale Association 2

Fortescue Open Access 2

Sidford Open Access 1

Look at it another way ...

Before you go

Understand how "wildlife highways" function through site connectivity.

Using the data provided in the resources, draw a simple "Connectivity Web."

Represent each site (e.g., Margaret's Meadow, Gilchrist Field) as a circle.
Draw lines between circles that "Adjoin" or are "Adjacent" to each other.
Reflection Question: Based on your map, which sites act as the most important "hubs" for wildlife moving through the valley? (Hint: Look for sites with 4 connections) .
Discussion: How does the proximity of housing on the western border impact these connections?.

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