A Night of Nightingales (Saturday)

An evening exploring the life, folklore and poetry of these celebrated songsters including a night walk serenaded by Nightingales.

In spring Nightingales return to Sussex.

Nightingales might not be much to look at. A robin without the redbreast. But when they open their beak there’s an amazing transformation. These skulking birds become the world’s most celebrated vocalists. For centuries poets have praised their performance. Homer, Shakespeare, Coleridge, Wordsworth, Clare, Keats, Dylan and Cohen has all written and sung about the Nightingale's sweet, structured sonnet; a hymn to the silence, in the hope of enticing a passing female.

This special event gives you the opportuntity to learn all about this incredible bird and listen to it singing after sunset.

Details (full details wills be sent nearer to the event)

We'll meet for tea, coffee and cake in Small Dole near Henfield. Sussex naturalist Michael Blencowe will give an illustrated presentation about the life, ecology, migration, folklore and poetry of the Nightingale.

After the talk we'll take a short drive to a local spot where we will look and listen for Nightingales as well as Tawny Owls, Barn Owls, Woodcock, bats and other nocturnal willdlife.

Please wear suitable clothes for a spring evening walk and bring a torch.

Places limited to 15 people.

Michael Blencowe has been out listening to Nightingales since he was 9 years old and leading wildlife events across Sussex for the past 15 years, engaging and inspiring thousands of people (more details michaelblencowe.com)