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7 May 2008
Early birds turn out at Southwick Wood
Dawn Chorus Walk attracts nature-lovers of all ages
Over 25 early risers joined The Wildlife Trust to experience the fascinating sounds of the dawn chorus, during the magical twilight hours, on Sunday 4 May at Southwick Wood Nature Reserve, near Oundle.
The first bird heard was a skylark, followed by the highlight of the morning - the enigmatic song of a nightingale, whose song really filled the initial silence. Other birds joined in one-by-one culminating in a crescendo of sound, all male birds singing their hearts out to attract females and to protect their territories from other trespassing males.
Once daylight broke through, everyone saw the delightful display of bluebells and early purple orchids in the morning sunshine and finished off with a welcome cup of coffee at Glapthorn Village Hall.
This important woodland site was recently purchased by The Wildlife Trust thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the River Nene Regional Park (RNRP), through its GI Environmental Grant Scheme. The site will be managed as a nature reserve for important ancient woodland flora such as bluebells, wild service trees and birds like the woodcock. The nature reserve is open to the public and has a network of pathways to explore the woodland and discover its fantastic wildlife.
The Wildlife Trust are looking for volunteers to carry out breeding bird surveys across the three counties. If you have the skills to identify birds by their call, please contact Henry Stanier at ecologygroups@wildlifebcnp.org.