Sites on the Peak Hill Side

What are the key geographical features of the woodlands on Peak Hill?

The woodlands on Peak Hill, including Bulverton Hill, Greystone and Lydes Hill, and Peak Wood, are situated on the western side of the Sid Valley, rising westward from the town of Sidmouth. They are located on high ground, offering significant views, and share an underlying geology of Upper Greensand, which is characteristic of the higher ground on the valley sides. The areas are adjacent to Muttersmoor.

How do the different woodland areas on Peak Hill vary in terms of management and habitat?

The sites exhibit variations in management and habitat. Bulverton Hill and Greystone and Lydes Hill both feature significant commercial conifer plantations, primarily Douglas Fir, which are noted as being detrimental to native species. However, Bulverton also includes areas with bluebells, and a wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill provides an open corridor for nature to flourish. These areas are largely privately owned, with Bulverton Plantation managed by Clinton Devon Estates and Tilhill Forestry for multi-purpose forestry. In contrast, Peak Wood, managed by the National Trust, is described as an "open" woodland with a mix of regenerated scrub, broadleaf trees, and open grassland areas, supporting a diverse range of plant species.

What are the ecological challenges and benefits identified in these woodland sites?

A major ecological challenge is the impact of dense commercial conifer plantations on native flora and fauna, as they suppress naturally occurring species. However, areas like the wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill act as beneficial natural corridors, supporting a variety of plants and invertebrates. The presence of bluebells in parts of Bulverton Hill indicates areas that can support woodland flowers. The potential for heathland restoration in felled areas, particularly where it was historically present, is also highlighted as an ecological benefit.

What is the significance of the wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill?

The wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill is a significant feature due to its role as a natural corridor through the surrounding conifer plantations. It allows nature to flourish in this open space, supporting a variety of flora, heath grasses, rushes, scrub, lichens, and mosses, as well as invertebrate life. It is described as a "joy to walk" and provides important access for visitors. The maintenance of such open spaces within commercial forestry areas is considered crucial for conserving local biodiversity.

What plant species are specifically mentioned as being present in these woodland areas?

Specific plant species mentioned include bluebells on Bulverton Hill, yellow pimpernel (Lysimachia nemorum) on Greystone and Lydes Hill (though in a very small colony), Greater Stitchwort (Stellaria holostea) in Peak Wood, and a large colony of yellow flowered Meadow Vetchling in the grassland adjacent to Peak Wood. Lichens are also noted along the bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill.

What are the recreational opportunities and access points for visitors to these woodland sites?
Visitors can access these areas through public paths and bridleways. Access points include areas near the Muttersmoor Car Park. The wide bridleway on Greystone and Lydes Hill is a key route. Peak Wood can be accessed via paths from Peak Hill Road or the Muttersmoor Car Park, offering level terrain suitable for various walking abilities. The sites offer scenic walks, opportunities for watching butterflies (in Peak Wood), and rewarding views from high ground like Bulverton Hill. Roadside parking coming up Peak Hill is also noted.

How does the historical land use influence the current character of these woodlands?

Historical land use has influenced the current character, particularly in Peak Wood, which appears to have once been part of a garden area, suggested by the presence of a bank and a tree-lined border. This historical exclusion of grazing animals likely contributed to its present composition of regenerated scrub and broadleaf trees. On Bulverton Hill, the area was historically heathland before becoming dominated by woodland and plantations, which informs discussions about potential heathland restoration.

What broader landscape initiatives and concerns are relevant to these woodland areas?

These woodland areas are part of the broader Sidmouth countryside landscape. Clinton Devon Estates' involvement in managing Bulverton Hill plantation aligns with their focus on sustainable, multi-purpose forestry and landscape recovery projects like "Heaths to Sea," emphasizing the importance of restoring lowland heathland habitats. The East Devon Forest Plan also highlights this restoration priority. Concerns in the wider area include cliff erosion at Peak Hill, as identified in the Sidmouth Beach Management Plan. 

 

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