East Cliff

Executive Summary

East Cliff represents a critical intersection of geological heritage, innovative conservation management, and high-value coastal biodiversity. Located on the eastern boundary of Sidmouth and managed by the National Trust as part of the Salcombe Hill estate, the site serves as a "natural balcony" that provides both an accessible public amenity and a vital ecological stronghold.

The area is defined by its "sandwich" geology, featuring Permian and Triassic sandstones capped by Cretaceous Greensand, which creates a unique environment for rare species, specifically specialised bees and butterflies. Strategically, East Cliff is a coastal anchor for the "Heaths to Sea" Landscape Recovery Project, a 20-year initiative (2025–2045) aimed at establishing a "nature highway" between the Pebblebed Heaths and the Jurassic Coast. Management of the site is notable for its use of "eco-engineering" through conservation grazing, utilizing GPS-linked virtual fencing to maintain structural diversity in the landscape without intrusive physical barriers.

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Geographical and Geological Context

East Cliff encompasses the steep, grassy slopes rising beyond the mouth of the River Sid. It is characterised by its dramatic elevation and its role as a gateway to the wilder portions of the Jurassic Coast.

Geological Composition

The site's management and ecology are dictated by a "sandwich" geological structure:

• Base: New Red Sandstone and impermeable Sidmouth Mudstone.

• Capping: Permeable Upper Greensand.

• Result: This layering leads to specific erosion patterns and "soft cliff" formations. The National Trust maintains a non-interventionist policy regarding these cliffs, as natural landslips are essential for exposing the fresh clay required by rare nesting insects.

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Habitat Mosaic and Biodiversity

The landscape is not a uniform space but a complex mosaic of coastal habitats, each supporting distinct flora and fauna.

Coastal Grassland and Meadows

Unlike manicured parkland, the East Cliff slopes consist of long-established coastal pasture.

• Botanical Significance: A rich herb mix of grasses and flowers provides essential nectar and pollen.

• Key Flora: Bird’s-foot-trefoil is actively managed here as it serves as the primary food source for the Common Blue butterfly and a vital forage plant for rare bees.

• Seasonal Succession: Due to Sidmouth’s "Goldilocks climate," the flowering period is unusually extended. The season begins with Alexanders in early spring, transitioning to clovers and various daisy species in the summer.

Scrub and Boundaries

The northern boundary is defined by extensive blackthorn scrub.

• Ecological Function: This dense, thorny habitat provides shelter and foraging ground for birds.

• Additional Species: The semi-scrub boundaries support Red Campion, Foxgloves, and Wild Angelica.

Rare and Resident Wildlife

• Insects: The cliffs are a national stronghold for the Broad-faced Furrow Bee and the Cliff Furrow Bee.

• Avian Population:

  • Predators: Kestrels and peregrine falcons utilise coastal updrafts for hunting.

  • Migrants: Autumn brings gatherings of meadow pipits and linnets, while winter sees the arrival of redwings and fieldfares attracted to the blackthorn berries.

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Strategic Management and Innovation

East Cliff is managed as a "living classroom" under the National Trust’s Sidmouth Countryside strategy, integrating high-tech solutions with landscape-scale recovery goals.

The "Heaths to Sea" Project

This 20-year plan (2025–2045) is a partnership between Clinton Devon Estates and the National Trust.

• Habitat Connectivity: The goal is to create a corridor for species migration in response to climate change.

• Butterfly Corridors: The project aims to create 100 hectares of new woodland and restored linear hedgerows to facilitate species movement.

Conservation Technology: Virtual Fencing

To manage the challenging terrain without installing physical fences that would mar the landscape, the Trust utilises "No Fence" GPS technology.

• Virtual Fencing: Cattle wear electronic collars linked to a GPS app, allowing managers to direct them to specific "target areas."

• Eco-Engineers: Cattle are used to prevent scrub encroachment and create a mosaic of vegetation heights, which is beneficial for ground-nesting birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Management Action Summary

Feature Management Action

Woodlands "Halo thinning" around veteran trees; creation of linear corridors.

Clifftops Conservation grazing with GPS-collared cattle to maintain wildflower diversity.

Cliffs Protection of landslip zones for rare cleptoparasitic bees.

Trails Maintaining accessible "Visual Story" routes while preserving rugged paths.

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Human Impact and Accessibility

East Cliff serves as a vital green space immediately accessible from Sidmouth’s town centre.

• South West Coast Path: This national trail weaves through the site via a series of switchbacks, ascending from the Esplanade.

• Public Utility: The area functions as a natural viewpoint and "balcony," offering panoramas of Sidmouth’s Regency architecture and the coastline stretching toward Exmouth.

Concluding Perspective

East Cliff is a vital, biodiverse habitat that persists at the edge of the urban environment. Its health is predicated on the relationship between its unique flora and the food chains it supports

“What a lonely place it would be to have a world without a wildflower!”