Study Guide

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

1. Describe the location and accessibility of Alma Field.
2. How does the geology of the area influence the ecosystem of Alma Field?
3. Explain the management practices implemented at Alma Field.
4. What is the dominant habitat type observed at Alma Field, and what does it suggest about the plant diversity?
5. How does the proximity of domestic dwellings impact the flora of Alma Field?
6. Discuss the impact of the 2018 reseeding on the current plant composition of the field.
7. Name three dominant plant species found in the grassland area of Alma Field during mid-summer.
8. What is significant about the presence of Corky-fruited Water-dropwort at Alma Field?
9. Why is Alma Field considered a haven for insect populations? Provide examples of insect species observed.
10. Explain why the site is not considered suitable for breeding populations of bird species like skylarks and meadow pipits.

Quiz Answer Key

1. Alma Field is located on the cliff top at the eastern edge of Sidmouth. It can be accessed on foot via a steep coastal path or by car by parking on Hillside Road and walking a short distance along Alma Lane.
2. The area's geology is primarily Sidmouth mudstone, which doesn't significantly influence the ecosystem.
3. Alma Field is lightly managed by the town council. Paths are mown during summer, and the grass is cut at the end of the season, mimicking traditional hay meadow practices. Minimal intervention otherwise allows for natural regeneration.
4. The dominant habitat is hedgerow scrub, indicating high species diversity. This is supported by the observation of 18 scrub species, the highest among recorded habitats.
5. The proximity of dwellings leads to the presence of cultivated weeds near the fringes of the field, suggesting the influence of garden escapes on the field's flora.
6. While the 2018 reseeding introduced "weeds of cultivation" like poppies and cornflowers, their presence is diminishing as the land isn't annually plowed, leading to a return of more natural vegetation.
7. Three dominant plant species in the grassland area during mid-summer are Common Knapweed, Greater Knapweed, and Wild Carrot.
8. Corky-fruited Water-dropwort is a nationally scarce species, and its presence at Alma Field indicates a suitable habitat with damp ground and high moisture retention.
9. Alma Field supports diverse insect populations due to its varied plant life and habitats. Observed species include butterflies (Gatekeepers, Meadow Browns), grasshoppers, crickets, hoverflies, and beetles.
10. The small size of the site and proximity to human habitation make it unsuitable for breeding populations of open-ground birds like skylarks and meadow pipits. This is supported by the observation of primarily hedgerow-nesting bird species.

Essay Questions

1. Analyse the role of human management in shaping the biodiversity of Alma Field. Consider both the intended and unintended consequences of these practices.
2. Evaluate the significance of hedgerow scrub as a key habitat within Alma Field. Discuss its contribution to overall species richness and the specific plant and animal species it supports.
3. Compare and contrast the plant communities found in the grassland area versus the fringes of Alma Field. Explain the factors contributing to these differences.
4. Assess the ecological value of Alma Field within the larger context of the Sidmouth area. How does its location and habitat diversity contribute to local biodiversity?
5. Discuss the potential impact of climate change on the future of Alma Field. Consider potential shifts in plant and animal communities and the management strategies that could be implemented to mitigate these effects.

Glossary of Key Terms

Alma Field: A wildflower meadow situated on the cliff top in Sidmouth, managed by the town council.

Sidmouth Mudstone: The geological foundation of the area, which has minimal impact on the ecosystem.

Hedgerow Scrub: The dominant habitat type in Alma Field, characterised by dense shrubs and high species diversity.

Corky-fruited Water-dropwort: A nationally scarce plant species found in Alma Field, indicating a damp and moisture-retentive soil.

Weeds of Cultivation: Plant species that typically thrive in annually plowed and cultivated land, introduced during the 2018 reseeding.

Ubiquitous Plants: Plant species found commonly across various habitats.

Vascular Plants: Plants with a specialized system for transporting water and nutrients, including flowering plants, ferns, and conifers.

Tetrapods: Four-limbed vertebrate animals, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Arthropods: Invertebrate animals with an exoskeleton, segmented bodies, and jointed appendages, including insects, spiders, and crustaceans.

Ecosystem: A community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Habitat: The natural home or environment of an organism.