A new nature reserve, Hollybrook, is being developed as part of the Strawberry Line—a key walking and cycling route stretching across rural Somerset. This exciting addition aims to enhance local biodiversity while providing a peaceful space for visitors to enjoy quiet contemplation.
The Strawberry Line currently runs uninterrupted from Yatton railway station to Cheddar and will eventually extend to Collett Park in Shepton Mallet. An extension between Westbury-sub-Mendip and Easton, completed in summer 2023, is already welcoming around 50,000 visitors annually.
The Hollybrook reserve lies nestled between the path and the busy A371 road, accessible via an archway near Erlon Lane that once served the Cheddar Valley railway line. The area is teeming with wildlife, including badgers, foxes, rabbits, deer, and a variety of bird species.
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Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, explains that the removal of a former railway bridge enabled the creation of this unique green space. Visitors can follow a gently spiraling path to a bridge that offers stunning views over the Somerset Levels towards Panborough and Wedmore, complete with designated seating areas.
Volunteers have fenced off a critical section of the available two-acre plot to ensure a safe habitat for local wildlife, keeping out disturbances from people and pets. This initiative aligns with the project’s goal to achieve a net gain for nature despite the environmental impact of laying new pathways.
Future plans include planting a comprehensive hedge around the reserve, a family-friendly tree-planting day on January 3, and the development of accessible paths and a picnic area to encourage wider community use. The resurfacing work aims to accommodate people using wheelchairs, pushchairs, and walkers, further enhancing inclusivity.
Fletcher emphasizes that the nature reserve is more than just an added feature; it’s integral to the Strawberry Line’s mission to connect communities while promoting environmental stewardship and biodiversity.
The tree-planting event invites families to join the effort on Saturday, January 3, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants can park at Easton Village Hall or Station Road in Westbury-sub-Mendip, with the reserve a short walk from either location.
Somerset Council is also set to announce additional grant funding soon to support the Strawberry Line and the Somerset Circle cycle routes, ensuring the continued growth and preservation of these valuable community assets.