The county’s largest nature conservation charity is holding a Dawn Chorus Walk where participants will be able to tune into early morning birdsong at its Highgate Common Nature Reserve, near Wombourne, on Saturday 4 May between 5am- 7.30am.

Hayley Dorrington, Southern Heathlands Warden, who will lead the walk with a volunteer team, said: “It is a very early start but more than worth it – experiencing a dawn chorus is a magical experience.

“We are very hopeful of hearing a wide array of birds, from cuckoos to song thrush and tree pipits as well as the usual suspects.

“While walking around Highgate, those attending will also learn all about other wildlife that lives at the reserve, as well as what we’re doing to improve the heathland habitat.”

Birds mainly sing at dawn to proclaim their territories and let neighbouring birds know they’ve made it through the night. The dawn chorus is at its best in spring as our resident birds are joined by migrant breeders, and all are defending territory and looking for a mate.

Anyone coming on the walk should wear warm clothes, sensible shoes and bring binoculars if possible.

After the walk, those attending are invited back to the Highgate Common HQ – the Cory Centre – for a hot drink and biscuits.

To book a place – which costs £5 per person – visit www.staffs-wildlife.org.uk/whats-on

For more info call the warden’s office on 01384 221798.