Community Orchard

Beyond the familiar chatter of the main paths in The Byes Riverside Park, a different sound emerges—the low hum of pollinators at work. This is the subtle invitation to a quieter, special place nestled within this well-loved landscape, a tranquil green space that tells a story of community, conservation, and commitment. This is the Sidmouth Community Orchard, a project that is far more than a collection of fruit trees.

At first glance, it is a peaceful spot for a picnic, a place to enjoy the sun away from the main thoroughfares. Look closer, however, and you'll discover a thriving ecological haven, born from a community's vision and dedication. It is a living example of how local volunteers can transform a simple patch of land into a vital refuge for rare species and a cherished resource for everyone to enjoy.

The Sidmouth Community Orchard is a tranquil green space located within The Byes Riverside Park. It can be found adjacent to Sid Meadow, easily accessible via the park's footpaths. The orchard is approximately a ten-minute walk from the main footpath junction that leads to Fortescue, offering a peaceful and accessible retreat for local residents and visitors alike.

The orchard is a remarkable and successful re-creation of a "Traditional Orchard," which is now recognised as a UK Priority Habitat. This is a conservation effort of national importance, as a staggering 90 percent of traditional orchards have been lost across the country since the 1950s, either through neglect or conversion to intensive agriculture.

What makes this habitat so special is its structure as a "habitat mosaic." It skilfully combines the elements of woodland from the tree canopy, hedgerow from its vertical borders, and meadow grassland in the understory. For a foraging bird or a hunting beetle, this mosaic is not just a collection of plants; it's a landscape of opportunity, offering sunny meadows for nectar, dense hedgerows for shelter, and a tree canopy for nesting, all within a few wingbeats.

The orchard’s vibrant life begins with the rich tapestry of plants covering the ground between the trees. This carefully managed understory is the foundation for a buzzing community. It is a mix of beautiful wildflowers like Meadowsweet, Oxeye Daisy, and Alexanders, alongside edible plants planted for the community, including Raspberry, Rhubarb, Sage, and Perpetual Kale. These plants serve a dual purpose, offering forage for people while providing a continuous source of nectar for insects.

This floral buffet attracts an incredible array of essential pollinators. The air hums with the sound of Honey Bees and Ivy Bees, while sharp-eyed visitors might spot the distinctive 'Hornet' Hoverfly sipping nectar from the flat-topped flowerheads of Meadowsweet. In the taller grasses, the chirping of bush crickets provides a constant summer soundtrack. This thriving insect population is the engine of the orchard, ensuring the fruit trees are pollinated each spring.

The visible reward of this healthy plant-insect community is the fluttering of butterflies. On a sunny day, the orchard becomes a dance of colour as species like the Gatekeeper, Red Admiral, and Comma move from flower to flower, a beautiful and direct indicator of a successful, living ecosystem.

The Sidmouth Community Orchard is a testament to local initiative. It was established around 2010 as a community-led project by the Friends of The Byes (FoTB). A crucial £50,000 lottery grant provided the initial funding needed to turn their vision into a reality. The project has always been guided by a dual purpose: ensuring "food production went hand in hand with wildlife conservation." Staying true to this mission, visitors are welcome to help themselves to the fruit during the harvest season.

An Important Rule for People and Wildlife

A key management rule for the orchard is that it is a strict "dog-free area." This policy has a critical dual purpose. First, it protects the young, establishing trees from physical damage and prevents the disturbance of ground-dwelling wildlife that relies on the meadow habitat. Second, it ensures public health and safety. Because the fruit is available as part of an "open harvest" for the community, keeping the area free of dogs is essential to prevent contamination and ensure the food is safe for everyone to enjoy.

The Sidmouth Community Orchard is more than just a place; it is a process. It is a community gathering spot, a productive source of local food, and a vital ecological project working to restore a precious habitat. It stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a dedicated group of local, volunteer-led conservationists work together to create a lasting legacy—not only for future generations of people but for the metallic-green beetles and fluttering butterflies that now call this small corner of Devon home.