Lincombe

For those who wander the well-trodden paths of the South West Coast Path, the Jurassic Coast offers endless panoramas of dramatic cliffs and open sea. Yet, tucked away from the main thoroughfare, lie hidden sanctuaries of tranquility and life. One such place is Lincombe, a picturesque 33-hectare valley near Sidmouth, where dedicated conservation is allowing nature to flourish.

Managed by the National Trust, this coastal estate is more than just a beautiful landscape; it is a place of profound ecological and geological importance. Lincombe sits within the prestigious East Devon National Landscape and forms a vital part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also protected as part of a Coastal Preservation Area, a designation that safeguards the finite resource of the undeveloped coast from development, ensuring it remains a haven where the Earth’s deep history provides the foundation for a vibrant tapestry of life.

To understand the extraordinary character of Lincombe, one must first look beneath the soil to a story written in rock over millions of years. The valley’s unique nature is a direct legacy of its position on the Jurassic Coast, where the cliffs from Sidmouth to Beer display a stunning transition from the Triassic period's New Red Sandstone to the younger Cretaceous Greensand that caps the high ground.

This geological arrangement is the master architect of Lincombe’s habitats. The entire landscape is part of what is known as the Sidmouth and Lyme Bay Coastal Plateau, a character area defined by a stark and beautiful contrast: the open, exposed coastal plateau meets the deep, sheltered and incised valleys, known locally as “combes.” It is this dramatic landform, carved by time and tide, that creates a mosaic of different micro-habitats, from windswept grasslands on the clifftops to the secluded, tranquil floor of the combe.

The vibrant life we see in the valley today—the rare flowers, the sheltered slopes, the resilient coastal turf—is built upon this deep geological foundation. It is a testament to how the present is shaped by a history stretching back to ancient deserts and seas, a story of preservation written in the very fabric of the land.

The varied geology and careful stewardship at Lincombe have cultivated a patchwork of distinct and precious habitats, each supporting its own unique community of life.

Species-Rich Grasslands The clifftop plateaus and steep slopes host precious coastal grasslands. Maintained by conservation grazing with hardy Exmoor ponies, these open swards are kept free from encroaching scrub, allowing a dazzling array of wildflowers to thrive. In summer, the turf is jeweled with the yellow of Common Rockrose and the deep pink of Salad Burnet. It is also a stronghold for the nationally scarce Nottingham Catchfly, a delicate flower whose presence signals a habitat of exceptional quality.

Sheltered Combes The steep-sided valleys, or “combes,” create a world apart from the exposed cliffs. These sheltered slopes are cloaked in woodland and scrub, offering refuge from the coastal winds. This enclosure provides vital habitat and corridors for wildlife, creating a sense of high tranquillity and remoteness for those who venture into the valley’s heart.

Coastal Scrub and Marshy Lowlands Pockets of coastal scrub provide essential shelter for birds and insects, creating warm, protected enclaves. Down at the base of the valley, marshy lowlands support a completely different suite of wildflowers. Here, moisture-loving species like the vibrant southern marsh orchid and the delicate, frilly petals of ragged robin find their perfect home, adding another layer to Lincombe’s rich botanical tapestry.

While Lincombe may not be the site of dramatic population recoveries, its importance lies in its role as a quiet, steadfast sanctuary for species that are rare and vulnerable. Its value is measured not in rising numbers, but in persistence.

A Haven for Rare Wildflowers The valley’s greatest conservation story is told by its flora. Lincombe is a refuge for the Nottingham Catchfly (Silene nutans), a nationally scarce wildflower with delicate, fringed petals that open in the evening to release a sweet fragrance, attracting night-flying moths. This specialist of coastal cliffs and grasslands is vulnerable to habitat loss, and its continued presence at Lincombe is a testament to the site's long-term stability and undisturbed nature. The valley’s management ensures that the specific conditions this plant needs to survive are carefully maintained, making Lincombe a quiet guardian of a nationally significant species.

The ecological health of Lincombe is no accident. It is the result of a deliberate management approach by the National Trust that combines traditional techniques with the dedicated work of volunteers, focusing on preserving the delicate balance of the valley’s habitats.

This hands-on stewardship relies on key actions to maintain the landscape:

• Conservation grazing with Exmoor ponies, whose hardy nature and grazing habits are perfectly suited to controlling coarse grasses and scrub on the steep slopes, allowing wildflowers to flourish.

• Coppicing and hedgelaying, carried out by skilled volunteers, rejuvenates the woodland and hedgerows, creating a varied structure that benefits a wide range of wildlife.

• Maintaining footpaths, which ensures that visitors can experience the beauty of the valley while protecting its most sensitive habitats from disturbance.

This gentle, thoughtful stewardship is more than just land management; it is a partnership between people and place. It demonstrates a powerful model for conservation, showing how consistent, sensitive care can protect and preserve our natural heritage for the long term.

Lincombe is a powerful living example of how geology, dedicated conservation, and natural processes intertwine to create a true biodiversity hotspot. It is a reminder that our landscapes, no matter how ancient, are not static. With care and understanding, they can be preserved, and their wild character can endure. It proves that even small valleys can play a huge role in safeguarding our natural heritage.