Wildlife Haven Preserved After Successful £1.5 Million Fundraising Campaign

A £1.5 million fundraising initiative has successfully secured the future of farmland in north Bedfordshire, which has transformed into a sanctuary for endangered species after being left uncultivated. The 377-acre (152-hectare) Strawberry Hill farm, fallow for 37 years, has been rewilded by animals and birds, including nightingales and turtle doves. Concerns arose regarding the potential sale and conversion of the land back to agricultural use following the previous owner’s passing. However, the Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust (BCNWT) reported an unparalleled “outpouring of support, passion and generosity” during the appeal launched to acquire the property. Prof Brian Eversham, chief executive of BCNWT, remarked, “I’ve not seen anywhere like this place in the last 20 or 30 years.” The BCNWT initially leased the site in 2022 and subsequently raised £1 million to purchase its southern section. This was followed by a more recent fundraising effort aimed at acquiring the remaining portion of Strawberry Hill. Prof Eversham stated, “We knew Strawberry Hill was a special place when we first began our fight to save it more than two years ago, but we had no idea it would capture people’s imagination in the way it has.” The campaign garnered significant public engagement, with over 3,800 individuals contributing £500,000. The remaining funds were obtained from various trusts, other funds, and a “substantial” private donation. The former owner ceased farming the land 37 years ago, predating the widespread use of the term “rewilding.” Fields once used for crops have since reverted to scrubland, and emerging woodlands now support diverse wildlife, such as cuckoos and bats, in addition to the nightingales and turtle doves, both of which are red-listed due to significant population declines. Prof Eversham also noted that the BCNWT had identified rare wildflowers and documented 11 of the United Kingdom’s resident bat species on the property. He further commented, “The amount of birdsong is unique in recent decades, I know of nowhere else with these numbers of nightingales.” “The scale also means you can walk into there and feel completely isolated from the industrial agricultural world,” he added. The BCN expressed its intention to develop facilities that would enable visitors to experience Strawberry Farm without disturbing its wildlife inhabitants. Updates and news concerning Beds, Herts and Bucks are accessible via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.