Overview
A former farmland area, now thick with scrubland, Strawberry Hill is home to various bird species. It was known for attracting birds of prey in the 1990s and it now supports healthy populations of warblers and Nightingales.
This area was working farmland until it was taken out of production as part of an environmental study. The area caught the attention of the county’s birdwatchers as the land began to revert to rough grassland and scrub in the 1990s and attracted birds like Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. On a couple of occasions, Great Grey Shrike wintered here. Other owl species were also found the area, which was ideal for hunting and nesting (Barn and Little Owls in particular).
As the area ‘scrubbed over’, the birds of prey sightings declined but birds like Grasshopper Warbler moved in, and many could be heard reeling in the spring (the county’s best site). Turtle Doves have been regularly recorded, with several birds holding territory in recent years. Stonechat and Whinchat have also occurred in good numbers at passage times.
Now the site is thick scrubland, home to many warblers, Cuckoo and common resident birds. Strawberry Hill is now the most important site in the county for breeding Nightingales.
Access
Access via well-signposted bridleways from Knotting Green village. Parking available on the roadside, wear strong footwear for uneven paths.
