Kullaberg … exploring potential future locations
Kullaberg is one of Skåne's most spectacular natural areas, approximately an hour from Copenhagen — a rugged peninsula jutting out into the Kattegat near the beautiful seaside village of Mölle. It's often called Sweden's most visited nature reserve, with rugged, beautiful terrain where cliffs plunge straight into the sea. The landscape is wonderfully varied: deciduous forest with spring wildflowers, sparse ridge vegetation, and fragrant wild garlic in the richer soils, If you visit, you'll find dramatic sea views over the Öresund and Kattegat.
For birding, this is genuinely special ground — Kullaberg has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) in Sweden, thanks to its considerable biodiversity and rare species. The mix of cliffs, sandy beaches, forest and pasture draws both birds of prey and smaller species, with peregrine falcons and eurasian kestrel nesting on the cliff ledges, and exciting seabirds often turning up after westerly storms. Down at the base of the lighthouse there's a dedicated birdwatching terrace overlooking the sea, giving birders good protection from the elements. Given its position sticking out into the Kattegat, it's a well-known raptor and seabird migration watchpoint — a good complement to other habitats on both side of the Øresund.
Beyond birds, there's a good chance of spotting foxes, badgers, and roe and red deer while hiking, and porpoises are frequently seen in the surrounding sea. Late summer into autumn (right about now as I am writing this) is a solid time for coastal migration and passing seabirds, while spring brings the woodland flowers and returning breeding birds like peregrines back to the cliffs.