Life on the beach

What is the geological composition of the coastline around Sidmouth? The coastline displays a varied geological profile. In the west, the cliffs primarily consist of Triassic red beds , specifically Otter Sandstone and younger Mercia Mudstone , often capped by Upper Greensand and Chalk (though much of the Chalk is eroded). Moving east, the geology continues to feature Mercia Mudstone overlying Otter Sandstone, particularly evident at Pennington Point and Salcombe Hill Cliff . Salcombe Hill and other eastern cliff tops are also capped by Upper Greensand, with some areas retaining small patches of Chalk.   How does the beach composition vary along the Sidmouth coastline? The beach composition changes significantly along the coastline. To the west of Jacob’s Ladder , there is a substantial shingle beach. Eastward from Jacob’s Ladder, the shingle gives way, and a walkway is present. Around Connaught Gardens , the shingle beach returns, and an extensive area of sand is exposed at l...

What is the composition of the shingle beach along the Sidmouth coastline?   The shingle beach is primarily composed of flints and glacial deposits . These coarse sediments accumulate along the shoreline. Specifically, the sediment includes locally derived flint (from Chalk), chert (from Upper Greensand ), and pebbles from the Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds . Additionally, red sand, clay, and gravel from overlying head deposits contribute to the beach material through cliff rock falls. Historically, the River Sid also added sand and gravel. How far does the continuous shingle beach extend along the Sidmouth coastline? The shingle beach is largely continuous for at least two miles between Peak Hill in the west and Salcombe Mouth in the east, although it extends beyond these specific points. What major geological and historical events contributed to the formation of the shingle beach?  The formation of the shingle beach is a result of several major events and factors. These ...

Why is the Sidmouth coastline changing? The Sidmouth coastline is naturally changing due to the constant erosion of soft sandstone cliffs by the elements. These natural processes are exacerbated by climate change and, arguably, the unintended consequences of past human interventions, such as the rock islands built at the end of the 20th century.   What are the main impacts of coastal change in Sidmouth?   The main impacts are collapsing cliffs , disappearing beaches (particularly the Main Beach ), and occasional flooding of the low-lying town centre . The shrinking Main Beach reduces the protection offered by the sea wall and increases the risk of overtopping during storms .   Have past human interventions affected the coastline? Yes, past engineering works, specifically the rock islands built at the end of the 20th century, have arguably had unintended consequences, such as increasing erosion of the east beach and cliffs. What is the current erosion rate of the cl...

Why is the shingle beach in Sidmouth a difficult place for plants to grow?   The shingle beach in Sidmouth is a challenging environment for plants due to a combination of factors. The ground is unstable and constantly shifting with waves, currents, and storms , making it hard for roots to establish. Fresh water is scarce as the shingle doesn't retain rainwater well, leading to drought-like conditions. The substrate is also poor in nutrients, which are essential for plant growth. Additionally, the environment is exposed to harsh conditions including scorching sun, storms, forceful wave action, and, significantly, high concentrations of salt which are toxic to most plants . How does the instability of the shingle affect plant life?   The instability of the shingle beach means the ground around plant roots is constantly moving. Features like ripple-drift bedding indicate that the substrate is dynamic and shifts with water movement. This constant mobility makes it difficult f...

What is the "beach garden" and where is it located?   The "beach garden" is a specific area on the shingle beach in Sidmouth , in front of the Belmont Hotel . It is an area where a significant amount of vegetation grows, despite the challenging conditions of the shingle beach. It is intended as a haven for nature, specifically for rare and endangered plant species that can survive in this harsh environment. Why was the Sidmouth Beach Garden created? The initiative to create the Sidmouth Beach Garden began around 2012 or 2013, set up by volunteers from Sidmouth In Bloom with support from the Devon Plant Heritage Group . The primary goals were to protect the existing beach plant community and to enhance it by reintroducing specialist plants, often halophytes (salt plants), that were no longer present in the area. What makes life difficult for plants on a shingle beach, and how do plants in the beach garden cope?   Life on a shingle beach is tough for plants due to ...

Here are eight species of flower that can be encountered on the shingle beach and, in particular, occur in the beach garden.  Black Mustard: A Rich History and Versatile Utility Black Mustard  ( Brassica nigra ), a member of the Brassicaceae family , is an annual herbaceous plant characterized by its lobed leaves, small yellow flowers, and elongated seed pods. Native to the Mediterranean region , it has been cultivated for centuries in various parts of the world for both culinary and medicinal purposes. One of the most prominent features of Black Mustard is its seeds, which are small, round, and dark brown to black in color. These seeds possess a sharp, pungent flavor and are commonly used as a spice in various cuisines around the world. While Black Mustard offers numerous benefits and applications, it can also pose challenges in certain environments. As an introduced species in some regions, it has the potential to become invasive and outcompete native vegetation, disrupting...

What are the main challenges for plants living on the Sidmouth coastline outside of the shingle beach? Plants in these areas face similar challenges to those on the shingle beach , including a lack of fresh water, poor nutrient soil, scorching sun, storms, and high salt concentrations. How do the root systems of plants differ in these non-shingle coastal habitats compared to shingle dwellers? Unlike shingle dwellers with deep taproots for stability and moisture extraction, plants in these other habitats typically have short, clustered roots to find a niche and grip wherever possible. Why are the sandstone cliff faces generally devoid of vegetation? Sandstone cliff faces lack suitable points for plants to get a strong enough grip to withstand abrasive winds. They are also constantly eroding, preventing plant establishment. Where are plants most likely to establish themselves near the sandstone cliffs? Plants may establish themselves at the foot of the cliffs where rock falls have o...

Here are eight flora species often found in coastal locations other than on shingle beaches and that can be seen along the seafront in Sidmouth: Alexanders: Unraveling its Culinary and Medicinal Secrets In the realm of wild edibles and herbal remedies, few plants hold the diverse array of applications and historical significance as Alexanders ( Smyrnium olusatrum ). This resilient and versatile herb has been cherished for centuries for its culinary delights, medicinal properties, and ecological contributions. Alexanders, also known as black lovage or horse parsley , is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region but has since naturalized in various parts of Europe and beyond. It belongs to the Apiaceae family , which includes well-known culinary herbs such as parsley, celery, and dill. Alexanders can grow up to 1-1.5 meters in height and feature glossy green leaves with a distinct aroma reminiscent of celery. The plant produces clusters of small yellow ...