The Byes

For many locals and visitors, The Byes in Sidmouth is a cherished landmark—a familiar and beautiful setting for a riverside walk, a family picnic, or a moment of peace. It's a place we feel we know well. But beneath the surface of this beloved parkland lies a complex and surprisingly wild ecosystem, a vibrant natural world that is working hard every single day.

This article invites you to look a little closer on your next walk. We will explore the mosaic of unique habitats that make up this green corridor, from restored ponds teeming with life to ancient trees that stand as living monuments. We'll uncover the surprising wildlife that calls this valley home and shed light on the dedicated conservation work required to protect it. The Byes is far more than a park; it is the ecological heart of the Sid Valley and a vital sanctuary for both wildlife and human well-being.

The Byes is a two-kilometer-long riverside park that serves as the primary "green lung" for Sidmouth. It is a critical ecological bridge, forming a contiguous green corridor that connects the village of Sidford with the town centre. This vital artery for wildlife follows the path of the River Sid, Devon's smallest river, on its journey to the Jurassic Coast.

Crucially, the park is not a single, uniform space. It is a collection of distinct natural sites—including meadows, woodlands, and an orchard—each with its own character and ecological function. The health and future of this landscape are managed through a dedicated partnership between landowners like the Sid Vale Association (SVA) and volunteer groups such as the Friends of the Byes.

The rich patchwork of habitats in The Byes provides food and shelter for a remarkable diversity of fauna, from apex predators in the river to the tiniest invertebrates living in the bark of ancient trees.

The River Sid itself is the lifeblood of the park, and its health can be measured by the species it supports. Three key bird species act as indicators of a clean, thriving river: the brilliantly coloured Kingfisher, hunting from overhanging perches; the Dipper, a remarkable bird that "walks" underwater along the riverbed for its insect prey; and the statuesque Grey Heron, often seen stalking fish in the shallows.

The presence of the Eurasian Otter, an apex predator that breeds successfully in the river, is another clear sign of a healthy ecosystem with a robust fish population. This success is contrasted by the notable absence of the Water Vole. While the habitat is suitable, their reintroduction is prevented by the presence of the non-native American Mink (Neogale vison), a voracious predator that has wiped out vole populations across the region.

Throughout The Byes, veteran trees stand as biodiversity "hotspots." Their age and physical features—hollow trunks, dead wood, and complex bark—create micro-habitats that support a vast array of life. One magnificent Sweet Chestnut in "The Lawn" area boasts a girth of 5.5 meters and is believed to be 200-250 years old. These trees are ecologically irreplaceable.

Look closely at the ancient hedge bank of Byes Lane, and you'll find another oak, over 200 years old, that shows evidence of historic pollarding. This centuries-old land management practice, which involves cutting the tree at head height, ironically extends its life by reducing the risk of windthrow.

Oaks support more other species, insects, birds, mammals and fungi, than any other UK tree.

These ancient giants are essential roosts for various bat species and are known to support over 1,000 different species of invertebrates, forming the foundation of the local food web.

The wild and natural feel of The Byes is not an accident; it is the result of a constant, multi-front battle against invasive non-native species. The park's ecological health is perpetually threatened by aggressive plants that can quickly dominate the landscape if left unchecked.

The most visible of these is Himalayan Balsam, which colonizes riverbanks, smothering native flora. Less obvious but equally damaging is Three-cornered Garlic (Allium triquetrum), an invasive bulb that carpets the woodland floor and smothers our native bluebells. Elsewhere, patches of Japanese Knotweed require specialist treatment to prevent them from undermining the riverbanks. To combat these threats, an army of dedicated volunteers undertakes annual "Balsam Bashing" and other control measures, manually clearing invaders to give our native wildflowers a chance to thrive.

The Byes is profoundly more than just a pretty place for a walk. It is a dynamic and resilient ecosystem, a vital wildlife corridor, and a cherished community asset that is actively managed and protected. As a place that also supports our well-being through initiatives like social prescribing, it stands at the very heart of Sidmouth’s ecological and social identity.

This green artery is a shared sanctuary for both people and nature. As we look to the future, how can we ensure that these vital green spaces at the heart of our communities continue to thrive for generations to come?