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Hundreds of species identified at former farmland

Matthew LockwoodBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
News imageHolly Wilkinson A nightingale with its beak open while perched on a tree branch. It has a predominantly brown coat with a few grey areas. The branch it is perched on has green leaves.Holly Wilkinson
Threatened birds such as nightingales are thriving at Strawberry Hill in Bedfordshire

Hundreds of species have been found living on former farmland bought by a charity following a £1.5m appeal.

The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire took ownership of Strawberry Hill in 2024.

The 377-acre (152-hectare) site between Kettering and Bedford has now been found to contain half of Bedfordshire's nightingales, as well as 11 bat species and 50 species of moss.

Chantelle Warriner, reserves officer, said: "Every visit seems to throw up new species and the more we can learn, the better we can plan the future management to ensure it stays rich in biodiversity."

News imageWildlife Trust BCN A speckled bush-cricket is perched on a broad grass blade or reed. Its powerful hind legs are folded upwards, ready for jumping, while the front and middle legs grip the plant stem. Wildlife Trust BCN
Teams spent time making sure they had a good understanding of the species and habitats on the site

There were fears the land would be sold and returned to agriculture when the previous owner died, but during the last 18 months the trust has carried out measures to improve the habitat.

Scientists and volunteers dug six new ponds and built dams. Grazing cattle, including Highland cows, will also be used to help keep the scrub at an "optimum level" for bird species like warblers and turtle doves.

A small car park is set to be created in an area that is not rich in wildlife, along with a building where school children and adult groups can learn about the site's biodiversity.

News imageWildlife Trust BCN The landscape is covered with dense patches of shrubs and small trees in a mosaic pattern, creating a textured appearance across the site. A small orange excavator is working beside one of the ponds.Wildlife Trust BCN
The turtle dove is just one of many species set to benefit from the newly created ponds

Other wildlife found on the site included:

  • 27 species of butterfly and 148 species of moth
  • 978 invertebrate species
  • 50 bird species
  • 30 pairs of nightingales

Warriner added: "The real reward has been the conversations with the many visitors who have told us about the nightingales they have heard, the butterflies they have seen and the wildflowers they have added to their lists.

"We hope Strawberry Hill continues to inspire people for many years to come."

News imageWildlife Trust BCN A barn owl captured in flight against a softly blurred natural background. Its distinctive heart-shaped white face is clearly visible, framed by pale golden-brown feathers on the head and upper body. Wildlife Trust BCN
This reserve is known to be important for many bird species
News imageWildlife Trust BCN Two spikes of pale pink-purple wild orchids growing among dense green vegetation. The orchids stand upright on slender stems.Wildlife Trust BCN
The wildlife trust said the site has proved surprisingly well populated by orchids which is not something they had expected

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