Host: Sam Lee

Guest musician: Anna Phoebe

Come to the forest, be enchanted by the sweet song of the Nightingale and discover the story these exceptionally rare birds tell about our ancient and wondrous relationship with nature.

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Key Information

Location: Strawberry Hill, Knotting Green, Bedfordshire, MK44 1AA

Time: 7:00 pm - 12:30 am (site opens at 6:30 pm)

Our evening begins gathered at the fireside, where welcome drinks await. Before dusk approaches, we’ll be led on a short ecological tour experiencing and unravelling the evening chorus and discovering the rich biodiversity of our rewilded site. Returning to the warmth of the campfire, a two-course vegan dinner awaits accompanied by a delicious selection of hot and cold drinks to suit all tastes.

As night falls, we'll share in traditional folklore, Nightingale histories, and songs before embarking on a silent walk through the darkness to find our singers. Here, under a blanket of stars, you'll witness our signature human-avian musical collaboration – a breathtaking interaction between Sam, our guest musician, and our bird, creating a truly unforgettable experience. As midnight passes, we’ll make our way back to camp and carriages.

Please make sure you have versed yourself in the important practical information below and reviewed our comprehensive FAQs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for you and your guests. As our events involve walking across challenging terrain at night, we kindly ask you to consider any mobility requirements within your group before booking. For a full insight into the concept and idea behind the project, please see our What is SWN page.

Singing with Nightingales, although seemingly a gentle experience, is outdoors and at the mercy of the British weather. Although only an evening long it requires full preparation and arriving ready for what the elements deal us. And every night can be different - balmy and dry one evening, muddy and windy the next. We recommend that you pay close attention to your group's level of ability to meet the likely demands of the outdoors before committing.
We get asked many questions about what people are concerned about, and the FAQ page answers many of these questions. Please feel free to get in touch and ask us questions but do check the detailed info we have laid out on this website for our most complete answers to your questions.
All the events take place in natural, outdoor locations and involve a substantial amount of walking through uneven terrain at night without the use of artificial light. This may not be suitable for people with limited mobility or special access needs. Each night we can do up to an hour of walking and the routes change nightly depending on which bird is singing. Climbing fence styles are also a common occurrence. Depending on the weather the ground may also be muddy or slippery. SWN team members are there to assist and we give a full briefing on safe night walking every night before we leave but please be the judge on the capability of everyone in your group before purchasing tickets. Please do get in touch with us if you have accessibility requirements and we will do our best to advise and assist. You can read more information on the Accessibility & Welfare page.
Strawberry Hill, Knotting Green, Bedfordshire, MK44 1AA.
Nestled in the heart of Bedfordshire, Strawberry Hill is a remarkable testament to the power of nature's resilience. This extraordinary rewilded nature reserve, once conventionally farmed, has undergone a stunning transformation over the past 35 years, with arable fields giving way to a mosaic of grasslands, shrubs, and young woodlands. Under the stewardship of the Bedfordshire Wildlife Trust since 2022, Strawberry Hill has become a haven for biodiversity, boasting thriving populations of nightingales, turtle doves, and a myriad of other species that now call this 150-hectare site their home.
There is no camping available on-site at Strawberry Hill. There are a number of hotels and B&Bs in the immediate area, with further overnight options in nearby Bedford.
We encourage sustainable travel to our events.
The Bedfordshire site is accessible from Wellingborough and Bedford stations, with taxi services available (though events end after last trains).
On-site parking is available but must be booked in advance - you can purchase any add-ons in the ticket window. We recommend using our lift-sharing options to reduce environmental impact and meet fellow attendees. For detailed transport options, please visit the Travel page.
Dressing appropriately is crucial for your SWN experience. The evening brings multiple weather conditions - warm by the fire, wet from dew, and often very cold after dark. We recommend plenty of warm layers (preferably wool), waterproof and sturdy footwear, and importantly, 'quiet' clothing that doesn't rustle or crinkle as we move through the woods. We provide fireside seating and portable tripod seats for the Nightingale experience. For complete details about what to wear and bring, including specific recommendations and helpful tips, visit the What, Wear & Why page.
Various products, including The Nightingale book, Singing with Nightingales Totebags and Sam Lee’s albums are available to purchase. You can buy them at the same time as booking your ticket and collect them later on-site, or you can browse our physical shop at the event.

Read FAQs

Your GUEST MUSICIAN, Host & Nightingale

Artists

Anna Phoebe

Anna Phoebe is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and presenter whose solo performances transform the violin into a force of nature. Building visceral soundscapes, she creates immersive experiences that are both raw and cinematic.