Sounds of Spring

Birding experts are offering the chance to enjoy the sounds of this spring in west Dorset’s
Kingcombe Valley. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Kingcombe Centre is a top site to experience birdsong, with unspoilt meadows, woods and ancient green lanes undisturbed by the modern world.

April’s course will be led by bird song and identification expert, Dominic Couzens, well known to nature lovers from his field trips, books and from BBC Springwatch. Dominic recognises the enjoyment people get from hearing nature’s free soundtrack: “Listening to birdsong also serves a higher purpose of identification. Most birds are likely to be heard before they are seen and, despite best efforts, some remain hidden in a canopy of flora. Hearing their song allows you to pinpoint the type of bird and its location far better than eyes alone”. Dominic is guiding a week of field trips in April based at The Kingcombe Centre. He said: “Some excursions will be local, others taking in the birding hotspots of Weymouth and Portland. The emphasis will be on identification, with significant time devoted to appreciating the behaviour of the birds you find”.
 

Courses for beginners and experienced birdwatchers

Leading May’s course is Gary Dennis, who proves that blindness is no barrier to
enjoying birds. Gary, who has been blind from a young age, said: “Many people are so busy looking and seeing they are not listening properly. When birders focus on listening, they become privy to the information birds themselves rely on during crucial activities such as protecting territory and choosing a mate. Furthermore, their jubilant sound paints pictures in my mind so I’m not entirely excluded from the pleasures available to sighted people in spring”. Gary can help others hear in the same way with his introduction to birds at The Kingcombe Centre.

Birds and their Song in Spring is led by Dominic Couzens from 4th to 8th April.
Birds of Kingcombe and Powerstock is led by Gary Dennis and former Dorset Wildlife Trust warden Neil Croton from 6th to 8th May.

Both courses can include accommodation at the Kingcombe Centre and are ideal for beginners, but more experienced birdwatchers are also welcome. For more details or for a brochure with the full range of courses at Kingcombe,
ring 01300 320684 or Click here.
 

For more information please contact Sophie Franks at Dorset Wildlife Trust ‘s Kingcombe Centre on 01300 320684.
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About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
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