Managed Sites: Parks and Gardens
What are some of the main public green spaces in Sidmouth?
Sidmouth boasts several significant public green spaces. Connaught Gardens, located on Peak Hill, is a historic site with diverse plant collections, including a unique Cretaceous Arboretum project, and serves as a venue for community events. The Byes Riverside Park is a large parkland area along the River Sid, managed for wildlife conservation and public access. Town parks and gardens, encompassing Blackmore Gardens, the Parish Churchyard, the Bowling Green, and the Fortfield, offer various features like decorative planting, historical elements, and habitats for specific species like waxcap fungi and lichen.
Connaught Gardens has a rich history dating back to around 1820 when a marine villa was first constructed on the site. The land was acquired by the local council in 1930 and officially opened to the public in 1934 by the Duke of Connaught, Queen Victoria's third son, after whom the gardens are named. This historical journey from a private property to a public park highlights the evolving use and importance of the space within the Sidmouth community.
Connaught Gardens is known for its diverse plant collections, including exotic and native species arranged within sheltered "outdoor rooms." A particularly notable feature is the "Cretaceous Arboretum," an ambitious project aiming to introduce plant species from prehistoric periods like the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic. Visitors can also explore a Tree Trail highlighting exotic trees, offering both educational and enjoyable experiences. Beyond its botanical attractions, the gardens are a lively hub for community events, hosting music performances, theatre, and art exhibitions, with the bandstand serving as a central point for concerts.
Glen Goyle is a tranquil, lesser-known green space situated on the western side of Sidmouth. It's a small valley formed by a brook, largely hidden from the Esplanade due to culverting. Historically part of Victorian parkland, it had become overgrown. The Friends of Glen Goyle (FOGG), a volunteer group, is dedicated to restoring and maintaining this area. They work on clearing invasive species, replanting native flora, and improving accessibility. FOGG collaborates with East Devon District Council, the owners, and receives guidance from horticultural officers, with their efforts being recognised with an "Outstanding" rating in the RHS It's Your Neighbourhood scheme. Access is available via Manor Road.
No, Powys House and its grounds are private and not open to public access. Powys House is a Grade II listed early 19th-century villa that has been converted into a retirement development. While it boasts approximately five acres of communal grounds featuring well-maintained gardens, these facilities and the property itself are for the use of its residents.
The Byes is a significant parkland area in Sidmouth, running alongside the River Sid for about two kilometres. It's managed for both wildlife conservation and public access. Parts of it are owned by the Sid Vale Association and specifically managed to promote wildflower diversity. Although classified as a brownfield site due to its complex land use history, The Byes is a vital urban green space supporting local biodiversity despite challenges like invasive species. It contains a variety of habitats including freshwater from the River Sid, grassland (both amenity and parkland woodland), and hedgerow scrub.
Within the town parks and gardens area, which includes Blackmore Gardens, the Parish Churchyard, the Bowling Green, and the Fortfield, there are several specific natural features. Blackmore Gardens features Dogwood, providing vibrant colour. The Parish Churchyard is notable for a wide range of lichen species on its old lime-mortar walls and gravestones, as well as Pellitory of the Wall and Yew trees. The grass beside the bowling greens is a significant site for mixed waxcap fungi in the autumn. The bank at the Fortfield, a remnant of an old field boundary, supports Wild Strawberries and, alongside the croquet lawns, Purple Ramping-fumitory and Sticky Mouse-ear.
The management of Sidmouth's green spaces involves several different organisations. East Devon District Council is the owner of several key sites, including Connaught Gardens, Glen Goyle, and parts of The Byes, and plays a role in their management, often through their workforce or horticultural officers. Sidmouth Town Council owns the Conservatory in Blackmore Gardens. The Sid Vale Association (SVA) owns and manages parts of The Byes specifically to promote wildflower diversity. Additionally, volunteer groups like the Friends of Glen Goyle (FOGG) are actively involved in the restoration and maintenance of specific areas through collaborative efforts with the owning council.