Press Release

Press Release Archive: Wednesday 20 April 2011

Join the early birds during International Dawn Chorus Day

Spring brings with it a spellbinding natural symphony, and we can all embrace it by taking part in International Dawn Chorus Day

On Sunday 1 May 2011, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and Wildlife Trusts around the UK will be running early events from birdsong breakfasts to walks on urban and rural nature reserves. With expert guides on hand, there will be the chance to learn more about this dawn ritual, including which birds are singing and why. The dawn chorus is at its loudest the first hour after sunrise - around 5am - so events start early but it is well worth sacrificing a lie-in.  Resident UK species like blackbird and songthrush can be heard, along with summer visitors including chiffchaff and nightingale. Bill Oddie, Vice President of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "During my life I have experienced the dawn chorus all over the world. Africa, India, Australia, North and South America, various parts of Europe and so on.  The sounds have been wondrous and various, and the atmosphere has often been magical, but you know what?  If I want to experience the best dawn chorus of them all, all I have to do is stay right here, in Britain.  Of course, International Dawn Chorus Day isn't some kind of avian song contest, but let's face it, British birds are unbeatable!" Photo: Nightingale singing by Dean Eades   Bird Song events with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Guided Walk: Spring Migrants Arrival 8.30am - 11.30am, Sunday 24 April at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve  Adults £2, children £1. Booking is essential on 01754 898057   International Dawn Chorus Day 4am - 7.30am, Sunday 1 May at Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve  £5 including a breakfast bap and tea/coffee. Payment in advance is needed for this event and booking is essential on 01754 898057.  Nightingale Morning Chorus 6am, Sunday 1 May at Whisby Nature Park  £2 per person. Booking is essential please contact the Natural World Centre on 01522 688868. Meet at the warden's office. Nightingale Evening Chorus 8pm, Monday 2 May at Whisby Nature Park  £2 per person. Booking is essential please contact the Natural World Centre on 01522 688868. Meet at the warden's office. Dawn Chorus 4am, Sunday 29 May at Far Ings National Nature Reserve  Optional cooked breakfast for £5. Meet at Ness End Farm. With the Barton Area Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust Finding the warblers 8am, Saturday 4 June at Cleethorpes Country Park  Two hour walk with Ray Hume and the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Area Group of the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust. Meet in the car park.

Notes to Editors

1. International Dawn Chorus Day was established by The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham & the Black Country in the 1980s.  The International Dawn Chorus Day website has details of events taking place across the globe, as well as the latest stories and news about IDCD, and MP3s of various bird calls to listen to online.
   www.idcd.info 
   
2. The Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and wild places throughout the historic county of Lincolnshire - from the Humber to the Wash.  The Trust is Lincolnshire's leading nature conservation charity with over 25,000 members and around 100 nature reserves.  The Trust is a member of a nationwide network of 47 local trusts which work to protect wildlife - The Wildlife Trusts.
   
3. The Wildlife Trusts.  There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone.  With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities or at sea. 150,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch.  We manage around 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.
   Visit: www.wildlifetrusts.org
   

For further information please contact

Rachel Shaw, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01507 526667   (ansaphone out of office hours)
Fax: 01507 525732
Email: Rachel Shaw

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
Banovallum House
Manor House Street
Horncastle
Lincolnshire LN9 5HF

Website: www.lincstrust.org.uk