Photograph © Richard Hill

How to get there

• Click here for Ordnance Survey map, and here for a SWT site map.
• Access to the site is either from the car park off the A625 Fox House road or via Strawberry Lee Lane at Totley. The site can be found on the Ordnance Survey Landranger Sheet 119 or Pathfinder 743
• Public transport: The 240 or 272 from Sheffield to the Derbyshire Peak District or the number 97 to Totley.

Overview

One of the most idyllic sites on the moorland fringe and perfectly befitting the man who donated the area to the people of Sheffield, Blacka Moor (incorporating Strawberry Lea) is situated 6 miles SW of Sheffield and comprises an excellent mix of open heather moorland, upland heath and mixed woodland. Donated to the City of Sheffield by J.G. Graves, the great local entrepreneur, benefactor and philanthropist, the site became a nature reserve in 1999, a decision which caused some controversy as this designation was not specifically mentioned in the original Graves covenant. The area is now managed by the Sheffield Wildlife Trust.

Likely species

A circular walk of the area is probably the best option, starting from the car park off the A625 at SK277805. From here, take the public footpath south to the vantage point at Cowsick, from where a variety of routes can be taken to explore the area. The site is best visited in spring, summer and early autumn, particularly for warblers with ten species now recorded, although it is worth a look at any time of year, particularly given the wide horizon to scan over when looking east towards Sheffield.

The area between Cowsick and Blacka Hill should yield a variety of moorland species in spring, particularly Tree Pipit, Whinchat, Stonechat and Reed Bunting. Reeling Grasshopper Warbler has also been annual in recent years. It is also worth scanning for raptors as Common Buzzard, Peregrine and a male Marsh Harrier have also been observed. The area of permanent pasture immediately adjacent to the south is often overlooked, but should hold Curlew and Skylark, with migrant Wheatear in spring. The overhead wires should also be checked for Great Grey Shrike, as the area was previously a traditional site for this species, although the most recent record was in spring 2004.

The wooded areas of Strawberry Lea and Blacka Plantation are often productive, including highlights such as all three woodpeckers, Redstart, Garden Warbler, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Lesser Redpoll and Bullfinch. A singing Firecrest was also present here in 1996. The area of upland heath and heather moor around Blacka Hill to the east of the site will usually hold Meadow Pipit, Whitethroat and Yellowhammer and the occasional Lesser Whitethroat. It is this area which has attracted most attention from local and regional birders in recent years, as a male Dartford Warbler held a territory here in 2005, 2007 and 2008 - the first occurrences for the Sheffield area and still a very rare bird this far north.

Richard Hill