The Byes

SVA Land on The Byes

In the middle part of the Byes you can find the SVA owned land that is most well known to the Public. The land is maintained as a Nature Reserve by an enthusiastic team of SVA volunteers. It is a very popular leisure amenity open to all (but please respect the usage gidelines shown on the notice boards). Four parcels of land have been donated to the SVA over the years:

Margaret's Meadow

An area of land north of the Byes and adjacent to Gilchrist Field. It also borders the River Sid and consists of rough meadow extending to 8.8 acres. It contains the well-known Golden Copse (see image), which is planted with specimen trees selected for their golden foliage and celebrates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Gilchrist Field

An area of land adjoining the River Sid to the north of Margaret’s Meadow. It extends to 7.61 acres and is maintained to encourage wildlife.

It consists of mainly rough meadow and a wooded area containing a large pond, which is being transformed into a wildlife area.

Here, our team of volunteers in conjunction with Sidmouth Arboretum can be seen planting 300 hedging trees along the northern end of Gilchrist field, having reduced the invasive brambles in that area.

Livonia Road Field

A small area of land adjacent to Gilchrist Field and bordering Livonia Road.

It is 1.9 acres, kept as scrub land with a few silver birch.

The Govier Orchard

The Govier family very kindly donated this orchard to the Sid Vale Association in April 2026. It had been in their family since the 1800

Page updated

Google Sites