Brownfield Habitat
What defines a brownfield site and what are some examples found in Sidmouth?
A brownfield site, in this context, is a habitat profoundly affected by current or recent human activity, resulting in an environment significantly different from what would naturally be expected. In Sidmouth, examples include buildings, bridges, walls, roadside verges, unused areas around housing, domestic and public gardens (including managed parks and amenity grasslands like lawns and sports facilities), areas undergoing rewilding such as parts of the Byes and the Knowle, and notably, the disused railway line through Harpford Wood.
How significant are brownfield sites as a habitat type in a town like Sidmouth?
Given Sidmouth's nature as a town with a concentrated population (around 12,500), brownfield sites constitute a substantial portion of the habitat within the valley bottom. The prevalence of buildings, infrastructure, gardens, and altered land indicates that human influence has extensively shaped the local environment, making brownfield areas a major feature of the region's ecology.
Do brownfield sites typically receive legal protection, and are there exceptions in Sidmouth?
Generally, brownfield sites lack specific legal protection. However, exceptions exist in Sidmouth where some brownfield areas, such as parks and gardens owned and maintained by the local authorities, benefit from a degree of management and care, even if not explicitly for conservation purposes.
What is the ecological value of the disused railway line in Harpford Wood, and why is it considered particularly interesting?
The disused railway line in Harpford Wood is a particularly interesting and potentially significant brownfield site due to its impressive array of flora and ferns that have flourished since its abandonment in 1967. This botanical richness, in turn, supports a variety of insect species, including notable butterflies like the silver-washed fritillary and white admiral, demonstrating the potential for abandoned human-influenced sites to develop significant biodiversity.
How do gardens, both cultivated and unmanaged, contribute to the brownfield habitat in Sidmouth?
Gardens, encompassing both intentionally cultivated domestic and public spaces, along with amenity grasslands, form a considerable part of Sidmouth's brownfield habitat. Even in managed gardens where 'weeds' are often removed, some plant species persist. Furthermore, the escape of plants and garden waste into neighbouring areas can alter adjacent habitats, as seen in the upper Byes and the gardens at the Knowle, contributing to the overall mosaic of brownfield environments.
How are 'fringe' habitats, such as roadsides and waste ground, viewed within the context of this discussion about brownfield sites in Sidmouth?
While 'fringe' habitats like roadsides, bare ground, and waste ground are common throughout Sidmouth, they are generally not the primary focus of the "sites being considered under this project." Nevertheless, these areas are recognised as supporting various plant species, including flowers, ferns, and mosses, indicating their contribution to the overall urban ecology even if they are not the main subject of investigation.
What is meant by the term 're-wilding' in the context of Sidmouth's brownfield sites, and where is this occurring?
'Re-wilding' in this context refers to a process where areas that were once more actively managed, such as certain parts of parks and gardens, are being allowed or actively encouraged to return to a more natural state. This is currently underway on the Byes and at the Knowle, suggesting a deliberate effort to enhance biodiversity and potentially create more diverse and less managed brownfield habitats.
What types of long-established brownfield structures are prevalent in Sidmouth?
Sidmouth boasts a significant number of long-established brownfield structures, particularly buildings, bridges, and walls that date back to Regency times. These structures, being artificial and the result of human activity, clearly fit the definition of brownfield sites and represent a historical layer of human influence on the town's environment.