Topics

This is a list of available"'topics". Click on any "topic" description to display the list of "threads" within that "topic":

Beginner's Guides

EXPLAIN where Sidmouth is in the United Kingdom and the features of its natural environment through each season of the year

EXPLORE in some detail the Sidmouth Nature project and how it was conducted to produce the data for this website

EXAMINE ways in which someone with a new interest in nature might develop their own field identification skills

This thread is for anyone who is starting out in the wonderful world of exploring the nature around them or for those who would like to improve their skills. Any 'citizen science' project needs its 'citizens' and it helps if those 'citizens' are well prepared for the task of identifying what they see when out helping with surveys.

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Natural Environment

EXPLAIN the origins of the underlying geology of the Sidmouth area and the rock types present

EXPLORE how the underlying geology influences the primary habitat types that occur in the area

EXAMINE the characteristics of each of the primary habitats and how they developed through human management over many centuries

Before one can understand the natural history of an area it is necessary first to be aware of the natural environment in a wider context. This means understanding the effects of the local geology and how it can influence the kind of habitats that might occur. Then a knowledge of the characteristics of each habitat type is useful as well as how animals and plants find their niche in their preferred environment.

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Case Studies

EXPLAIN the features and management of each of the SIX primary habitat types found in the Sidmouth area

EXPLORE though SIX case studies the characteristics of the primary habitat types and the animals and plants that occur in those habitats

EXAMINE the threats to these habitat types and how efforts to manage and improve them benefit the overall biodiversity of the area

'Sites of natural interest' can provide a diverse array of benefits to the local ecosystem but, equally, they can face many challenges, especially those in built up areas. This thread pursues this thought and examines the strengths and weakness, threats and opportunities to sites in the Sidmouth area. These case studies demonstrate how sites almost anywhere are needed but under pressure.

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Biodiversity Networks

EXPLAIN what is meant by the term ‘biodiversity network’ and why the concept is important

EXPLORE what constitutes a biodiversity network and the resulting benefits to wildlife

EXAMINE SIX examples from the Sidmouth area of biodiversity networks and demonstrate the value of each

For purposes of the Sidmouth Nature project fifty 'sites of natural interest' were identified for close inspection and many of these were close enough to each other to be considered part of a 'Biodiversity Network'. In this topic each of the six 'Biodiversity Network' clusters of sites are reviewed to see how each individually contributes to a bigger picture together.

This topic may be of interest to:

Residents of Sidmouth, and visitors to the town, who would like a wider appreciation of some of the local green spaces and how they benefit nature
Conservation groups and nature enthusiasts from elsewhere who would like some examples of how to identify and perhaps improve areas of their own district
Students studying conservation and environmental courses who are looking for practical examples of successful biodiversity networks to further their understanding of the topic

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Life on Earth

EXPLAIN what are the most frequently encountered types of animals and plants and their defining characteristics

EXPLORE the range of species that make up each of these main groupings of living organisms, both animals and plants

EXAMINE in some detail the individual species in these groups with an emphasis on those found in the Sidmouth area

Life on planet Earth is complex! However, when analysed, there are just four dominant types of life that the keen observer of nature will encounter in the 'field; tetrapoid and anthropoid animals, and angiosperm and cryptogam plants. Difficult terms but easy to understand at the highest level and this topic has a thread for each that will help clarify these 'phylum' categories. A basic understanding lays the foundation for identifying most creatures and organisms that one will encounter.

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