Grassland Sites in, and around, the town
What are The Knapp and Peasland Knapp?
The Knapp is an 8-acre local nature reserve in Sidmouth, managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA). It features diverse habitats including woodland, grassland, an orchard, and a pond, supporting a variety of wildlife. Peasland Knapp is a smaller, 3-acre nature reserve within The Knapp, also managed by the SVA. It contains rare uncultivated grassland, woodland, and scrub, known for its large number of yellow meadow ant hills. Both reserves are managed with a focus on conservation and are open to the public.
The grassland areas at The Knapp are classified as unimproved or semi-natural grassland, retaining many native grasses and wildflowers due to minimal management and lack of fertilisers. They support a wide range of insects and mammals and feature indicator species like waxcaps, yellow meadow ant hills, and Cowslips. Peasland Knapp contains even rarer uncultivated grassland, found on steep hillsides and crucial for supporting native biodiversity. Both are managed using traditional techniques like grazing or cutting to maintain their ecological value and prevent encroachment by more dominant species.
The Knowle estate in Sidmouth has a varied history. It began as a thatched cottage orné in the early 1800s. In the mid-19th century, T.L. Fish transformed it into a public attraction with exotic plants and animals. It was converted into a hotel in 1882, served as an RAF training school during WWII, and later became council offices. The building was severely damaged by fire in 2023 and plans exist to convert it into a retirement development. The surrounding gardens and parklands, containing many mature and exotic trees, remain a public space.
Despite changes to the main building, The Knowle's grounds are a significant public space managed by Sidmouth Town Council. They are home to a diverse collection of mature trees, many of which are exotic species, forming part of the Sidmouth Arboretum. The Knowle Tree Walk provides a trail through this impressive treescape, showcasing over seventy species from around the world.
The Sidmouth Community Orchard, located within The Byes riverside park, was established around 2010 as part of the Byes Environmental Education Project. Developed by the Friends of The Byes with support from local councils and a lottery grant, its purpose is to serve as both a peaceful green space and an educational resource. It promotes environmental education, biodiversity, and community-led conservation, featuring traditional West Country apple tree varieties and other native plantings.
The Sidmouth Community Orchard is maintained and developed by local volunteers from the Friends of The Byes. It is easily accessible via The Byes' footpaths. Visitors are welcome to pick fruit from the trees. While dogs are generally welcome in The Byes, the orchard itself is a designated dog-free area to protect young trees and wildlife.
Gilchrist Field is a 7.5- or 7.61-acre nature reserve located in the northern part of The Byes riverside park in Sidmouth. Margaret's Meadow is an 8.8-acre nature reserve also located within The Byes, adjacent to Gilchrist Field. Both are owned and managed by the Sid Vale Association (SVA) and are dedicated to wildlife conservation, promoting wildflower diversity, and public enjoyment.
Gilchrist Field features a diverse habitat including rough meadow, scrub, woodland, and a large pond, underlain by Otter Sandstone geology. The woodland area has excellent biodiversity. Gilchrist Field is managed to promote wild flower diversity through methods that counteract the historical dominance of rank grasses. Margaret's Meadow is primarily rough grassland and scrub, considered "old style grassland". It has a good population of Pignut. Both areas, though historically less florally diverse than sites like The Knapp, are managed by SVA volunteers to enhance biodiversity and are accessible via The Byes' footpaths.