Sites on the Salcombe Side

What are the main woodland sites located on Salcombe Hill in the Sid Valley?

There are three primary woodland sites on the Salcombe Hill side of the Sid Valley that are detailed in the provided source: Combe Head Wood, Page Wood, and Bluebell Wood. These sites are situated at varying elevations on the slopes and on the top of the hill.

How is Combe Head Wood accessed and what are its key characteristics?


Combe Head Wood can be accessed from the northern side of the Salcombe Hill National Trust car park. It is a mixed woodland, primarily a plantation with a significant presence of both beech and conifer trees, including pine, spruce, western red cedar, and larch, dating back to 1960s planting. It also contains older semi-natural oak woodland (pre-1822) and some natural ash and oak. The wood is noted for its high number of plant species (88 total, 62 woodland species), open glades, and accessible paths, including stoned paths suitable for visitors with mobility issues. It's also used for school and care home visits and offers a gentle circular walk.

What is the terrain and accessibility like at Page Wood?


Page Wood is located on the upper western slopes of Salcombe Hill and is an extensive area of woodland. It is known for its challenging terrain as it is situated on a steep slope with a significant number of steps. Sturdy footwear is recommended for visitors, and the woodland may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Access is available from the National Trust car park on Salcombe Hill or via the coastal path from Sidmouth town.

How does the plant species composition differ between the three woodlands based on the Sidmouth Nature project survey?

The Sidmouth Nature project survey recorded different levels of woodland plant species dominance at each site. Combe Head Wood showed a high dominance of 70.5% (62 out of 88 total species), potentially suggesting a longer history of woodland cover. Page Wood had a lower dominance of 60.3% (32 out of 53 total species). Bluebell Wood recorded a dominance of 66.7% (16 out of 24 total species), although recording was ongoing at the time the report was produced.

What management practices are undertaken at Combe Head Wood?
The National Trust manages Combe Head Wood with a focus on balancing ecological health and public access. Management practices include coppicing hazel, retaining and favouring veteran trees, and supporting a variety of habitats within the woodland, such as wood pasture, grazed calcareous grassland, and scrub. These efforts aim to enhance biodiversity within the site.

What is Bluebell Wood known for and how is it accessed?

Bluebell Wood is primarily known for its vibrant display of bluebells in the spring. The presence of bluebells suggests the potential for native Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), an indicator species for ancient woodland, and possibly hybrid Bluebell. It is accessible from Soldiers Hill via the James Cornish fields, which are owned by the Sid Vale Association (SVA), the same association that owns Bluebell Wood. It can also be accessed via a steep ascent with many steps from Fortescue via Griggs Lane.

Are there any notable views or specific features within Page Wood?
Yes, from certain vantage points within Page Wood, visitors can enjoy scenic views across Sidmouth and the surrounding countryside. Additionally, the presence of mobile telephone masts is noted within the woodland. Salcombe Hill in general is recognised for providing stunning views across Sidmouth and the Jurassic coast.

What is the significance of the plant species percentage in the Sidmouth Nature project survey for these woodlands?

The percentage of woodland species dominance recorded in the Sidmouth Nature project survey provides an indication of the habitat characteristics of each site. A percentage exceeding 70%, as seen in Combe Head Wood, might suggest a longer history of woodland cover compared to sites with lower percentages like Page Wood. This metric helps researchers understand the ecological context and potential history of the woodland.

 

 

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