Dawn Chorus and Breakfast at Heal Somerset
Sat 3 May 2025 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM BST
Heal Somerset, BA11 5HH
Description
Join us on National Dawn Chorus Day for a magical walk where you will experience nature’s symphony as it awakens the land at Heal Somerset.
To experience the full impact of the chorus you need to start early so you will meet expert guide, Nick Patel at 4.55am at our visitors parking where he will lead you on a torchlit walk around the site. As the sun rises, you will be met with the quiet beginnings of early birdsong which leads to a rising crescendo which is worth waking up early for!
Experiencing the dawn chorus at a rewilding site is even more special as the land is in the midst of healing meaning the birdsong you hear will only get better as habitats regenerate and more birds make Heal Somerset their home or a key area to migrate to each year.
At around 7am you will head to our farmhouse for hot drinks and a light breakfast to set you up for the day.
What birds can you expect to hear? Blackbird, robin, dunnock, whitethroat, blackcap, song thrush, lesser whitethroat, willow warbler, chiffchaff, yellowhammer, goldfinch, linnet.
About your guide, Nick Patel:
Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.
Nick says “I am really pleased and super excited to be working with Heal and looking forward to showcasing some of the amazing work they are doing at the Heal Somerset site. It’s truly
inspiring and you can already feel an abundance of nature, which I am excited to share with people though my tours”.
TOUR LOCATION
Heal Somerset is in a very rural location, a few miles from Bruton, Frome, the A303 and the Wiltshire border, at Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Witham Friary, BA11 5HH. Directions will be sent in a confirmation email.
TIMINGS
Arrive: 4.55am
Walk departs: 5am
Walk ends: approximately 7am
Refreshments and light breakfast: From 7.30am
CLOTHING AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
We recommend you bring binoculars if you have them for this tour although there will be a couple of spare pairs available on the day.
It is very likely to be wet underfoot at this time of year so we recommend that you wear wellingtons or sturdy waterproof shoes or walking boots suitable for rough, uneven ground. If the forecast is wet, bring a waterproof jacket and a hat and dress warmly.
[We give this level of detail to encourage wider participation in our tours by people who may be unfamiliar with being out in nature and we hope this is useful for them as well as a reminder to those already aware.]
ACCESSIBILITY
The site is not yet wheelchair-accessible, but we do have one all-terrain mobility scooter available. If you would like to use this, please let us know ahead of the event.
If you use an assistance dog, your dog will be welcome.
If you have any additional questions about accessibility please email events@healrewilding.org.uk.
OTHER THINGS
Cancellation
We reserve the right to cancel this tour and either refund you or book you into an alternative date. This would be due to a very poor weather forecast or illness and will be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
Please note, tickets are non-refundable unless the event is cancelled.
Children and babies
Children over 12 are welcome on the tour as are babies in slings (the site is not pushchair-friendly in a lot of areas). Please contact events@healrewilding.org.uk for more information about bringing children.
Dogs
We welcome assistance dogs but you can't bring a pet dog or any other pets to the site.
Supporting Heal
Please note, up to 50% of your ticket price will go towards supporting the work of Heal.
You'll also have the chance to become a Friend of Heal and to donate to support our work.
Special ticketing
If you are unwaged, a student or living on a very low income and the cost of attending is prohibitive, please email events@healrewilding.org.uk as we may be able to support your attendance. Please note this may not always be possible.
Local accommodation
We can't offer accommodation yet at Heal Somerset. There are lots of places to stay in and around Frome and Bruton.
Transport
The remote rural location means that travelling here by car is the most practical option and there will be car parking available for all tour participants.
Photo credit for main image: Alex Sams, Providence Ecological
Location
Heal Somerset, BA11 5HH