Sidmouth to Dorset coastal wildbelt: invertebrates

The Sidmouth to Dorset coastal wildbelt is a unique mosaic of changing habitats.

They support a wealth of rare and threatened insects and are the only place in the UK where the Spanish snout cranefly is known to be.

What we need to do

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About

The unstable cliffs between Sidmouth and the Dorset border are one of the most remarkable areas for invertebrates in the UK, as well as in Devon. They support many threatened species including species groups such as flies and beetles that are often overlooked. There are several reasons why this area is an invertebrate hotspot: 

Unstable cliffs: The cliffs are some of the most active in Europe and are constantly being reshaped by erosion, slumping and crumbling. The resulting landslips are known as undercliffs. Constant bare ground is crucial for species like furrow bees, which burrow and nest in it. Other species depend on the vegetation that quickly colonizes these newly exposed areas. 

Seepages: Many of the insects (especially the rare flies) rely on the mosaic of wet areas that run along the cliffs, including calcareous springs, seepages, streams and patches of fen. These features often appear on unstable slopes and frequent landslips prevent the habitats being lost to scrub growth.

Climate: The temperate climate along the coast (no extremes of temperature or drought) allows many species to thrive.

Diverse habitats: The varied geology (chalk and mudstone cliffs), combined with the features above, creates a dynamic mosaic of scrubby, flower-rich grasslands (on the cliff tops and slumped cliffs), wetlands, rainforest-like undercliffs, bare cliffs and shingle beach dissected by wooded stream valleys (coombes). These intermingled habitats support a remarkable diversity of rare invertebrates in a relatively small area and are why this stretch of cliffs and coast is so special.

The undercliffs are designated as SSSI and are within the Sidmouth to West Bay SAC. Part of this area is designated as the Axmouth to Lyme Regis National Nature Reserve (see the LNRS Viewer). They also lie in the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

This group brings together xxxx Focus Species that need similar habitat but different micro habitat. XX are also identified as Devon Special Species. Many of the species in this group are not listed on the SSSI citation and may also rely on habitats which lie outside the SSSI.

Other Devon Species of Conservation Concern found along this stretch of coast include xxxx.

What we need to do and where

Priority

Increase the abundance and distribution of invertebrates across the East Devon cliffs, in particular those identified as Focus Species. 

Focus species

Broad-faced furrow bee Lasioglossum laticeps

In the UK, the broad-faced burrow bee is only found on this stretch of coast in Devon and west Dorset, making Devon a vital stronghold.

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The bees nest in desiccation cracks that form when wet south-facing clay cliffs dry out in the summer.

They’re a eusocial species, which means they nest in groups and divide up responsibilities, entrusting others to look after their young. 

The bees feed on a range of flowers in coastal grasslands near to their nesting sites. 

Cliff furrow bee Lasioglossum (Evylaeus) angusticeps

In the UK the cliff furrow bee has only ever been found along the Devon and Dorset coast and on the Isle of Wight.

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Although it hasn’t been recorded since 1995, it is hard to identify and may still exist along this stretch of coast.

The bee nests in burrows they excavate in clay exposed by landslips at the base of cliffs. Common birds-foot-trefoil (common in grasslands along this stretch of coast) is their most important forage plant. 

Spanish snout cranefly Helius hispanicus

The Spanish snout cranefly is a largely southern-European
species, so Devon is at the extreme northern edge of its range.

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The only place in the UK where it’s found is seepages at Haven Cliff just east of Axmouth harbour. 

Other Focus Species of flies in this group are the UK priority species six-spotted lamb (Idiocera sexguttata), Platycephala umbracula, a grass fly associated with reedbeds and Herina oscillans, a picture-winged fly. The bees feed on a range of flowers in coastal grasslands near to their nesting sites. 

All species depend on features which remain wet throughout the year, free from dense shading by woody growth. 

Actions

Habitat Management

  • Manage (through light grazing and scrub control) and expand a connected mosaic of sunny, flower-rich areas and scrub on the cliffs and cliff tops to provide the specific food plants and conditions these rare invertebrates need (see About above for more information).
  • Control invasive species such as pampas grass, holm oak, rhododendron, laurel and buddleia, particularly where they interfere with natural processes and shade out wet features such as seepages.
  • Ensure that natural slippage and hydrological regimes continue unchecked to maintain bare wet and dry areas.
  • Ensure high water quality.

Monitoring

  • Monitor the rare invertebrates and share records with the county species recorders (details in Find out more below) and DBRC.
  • Map the springs, seepages, streams, runnels and patches of fen and improve understanding of the hydrology of the seepages and how to maintain them.

Actions for other Focus Species, Habitats and Common themes

Other Focus Species (with a wider distribution) which can also be found along this stretch of coast are: 

Where to focus action

  • The Sidmouth to Dorset coastal wildbelt is shown on the LNRS Viewer. The wood white butterfly also has its own Focus Area mapped, which overlaps with this stretch of coast. 
  • The exact locations of invertebrates aren’t mapped in the LNRS. See Find out more below for more information on invertebrates. 
  • Do we add key landowners / organisations? National Trust, Natural England, East Devon Protected Landscape, Devon Fly Group, Devon Moth Group, Butterfly Conservation.

Inspiration

Where to visit

Always follow the Countryside Code and keep to footpaths and sites which are managed for public access. 

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliff National Nature Reserve 

A fantastic coastal path walk takes you through a tangle of lush vegetation that opens up to beautiful views of the sea, framed by the dense woody canopy. 

Try and spot Goat Island, a well-known feature of the coast. The island was the first scientifically described landslip and was visited by Queen Victoria. You can find out more on the Love Lyme Regis website. 

Beer to Branscombe

Another section of the South West Coast Path, this route is well-loved by locals and the café at Branscombe provides the perfect opportunity for a mid-walk ice cream! You can find out more on the National Trust website.

For information on visiting these and other sites see the Explore Devon website. 

Find out more

The Devon Fly Group (part of the dipterists forum) has information on Devon’s flies and how you can help to record them. 

The Devon Moth Group has information on Devon’s moths, including records and how to record. Devon LNRS Sidmouth to Dorset coastal wildbelt: invertebrates v1.0 Mar25 

The Bees Wasps and Ants Recording Society has information on all bees, ants and wasps. 

Buglife have published a fact file on the Cliff Tiger Beetle. 

The British Entymological and Natural History Society has lots of information about Britain’s invertebrates. 

Find out what’s happening in East Devon on the East Devon District Councils webpages. 

The habitat these invertebrates depend on is part of the East Devon National Landscape (previously known as AONBs). Their website has information on local projects and to help you explore the area. 

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