The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the largest citizen science projects in the world with nearly half a million families submitting data on birds visiting their gardens in late January. The SVBG collected the results from local gardens which show the valley is typical in some aspects, but has its own distinct character. Click on the bird feeders to read the report.

In 2020, Sidmouth Arboretum volunteers carried out a survey of the valley’s hedgerows (see report below). One thing they found out was that many of the valley’s hedgerows are rich in herbaceous species. In 2021, a wider group of volunteers will be revisiting some of these sites month by month to survey which herbaceous species are flowering. To see what was found in January, click the Sweet Violet on the left.

Members of the Biodiversity Group took part in the national Big Butterfly Count. This what was found in our valley. Click on the butterfly to open the report.

Sidmouth Arboretum has carried out a survey of the valley’s hedgerows. The report includes facts and figures, but also a fascinating review of the history which dates back to prehistoric times. Click on the cover picture to open the report.