Dawn Chorus Walk with Wild Walks

Experience the magic of early morning birdsong on a guided Dawn Chorus Walk with Wild Walks.

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Meeting at Bevendean Community Garden, join expert guide David Campbell from Wildstarts for a relaxed and engaging walk through Bevendean Down Nature Reserve.

As the sun rises, we’ll pick out each bird species, explaining practical ways for participants to recognise them in the future. We'll touch on various approaches, including analysing pitch, duration, volume, and pattern, as well as using imagery and verbal mnemonics for easier identification.

David will also share insights into the function of vocalisation in birds' lives and the mental health benefits of immersing yourself in nature’s sounds. Plus, with the growing popularity of AI identification apps like Merlin, we'll discuss how to make the most of such tools.

The walk will help you tune in to the sounds around you, picking out individual species and sharing simple, practical tips to help you recognise birds by both song and behaviour. Whether you're a complete beginner or a budding bird enthusiast, this walk offers a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connection with nature.

Expect a gentle pace, plenty of listening stops, and a chance to experience one of nature’s most uplifting moments. To make the morning even more enjoyable, coffee and croissants will be provided!
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This booking is for Wild Walk Dawn Chorus Walk
Bevendean Community Garden to Bevendean Down Nature Reserve (Hogtrough Bottom).

Distance: 1.5 miles approx

Starting location: Bevendean Community Garden, Heath Hill Ave, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 4FH

Ending Location: Bevendean Community Garden, Heath Hill Ave, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 4FH

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About this event

A guided Dawn Chrous Bird Identification walk around the Hogtrough Bottom area of Bevendean Nature Reserve

Friday 8th May 2026, 5.30am - 7.30am

Please arrive at 5.20am to set off at 5.30am

Location and meet point:

Bevendean Community Garden, Heath Hill Avenue, Brighton and Hove, BN2 4FH (Number 48 bus to Heath Hill avenue, on-street car parking available) What3words: spark.nests.verse

We will meet in Bevendean Community Garden. Turn left just after the bus stop opposite Bevendean Primary School. Walk a short way and cross over a metal vehicle gate. Turn left and the garden will be ahead of you. Walk into the garden through the gate. There is a compost toilet here.

While we will be moving at a medium - slow pace, please note that our route includes a steep incline and walking on uneven ground, it is therefore not suitable for anyone using a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues. Please contact me: [email protected], as soon as possible if you have any concerns about this.

Duration

This walk will take about an hour however as we will stopping to hear from our guide and for croissants & coffee. The walk in total will be 2hrs.

Weather

The event remains enjoyable even with a bit of rain. The dawn chorus is generally most intense during calm, clear spring mornings, but the birds' urge to communicate often overrides light wet weather. If downpours, or high winds are forcast we will refund the ticket price, we will be in touch 24hrs before if this is the case.

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Your Hosts

David

David's main expertise is in birds, having worked for BirdGuides and Rare Bird Alert, and as Assistant Warden at Dungeness Bird Observatory.
He is the Editor of Birdwatch Magazine and has worked as a Wildlife Trusts ornithologist on a range of restoration projects.
David has served the Sussex Ornithological Society as its Recorder, Swift Champion and a member of its rarities committee. He holds a bird ringing license.

Wildstarts | birding and nature adventures
www.wildstarts.com

Hannah

Hannah trained as a Forest Bathing guide with the Forest Bathing Institute in 2025 with sessions running in Bevendean and Friston Forest. In 2025 Hannah received Changing Chalk funding to run seasonal walks with various guides. Since 2016, Hannah has been involved with the Bevendean Community Garden and Fernee Forest Club. Passionate about outdoor adventures, she loves connecting people to the local landscape.

Inspired by Nature
inspired-by-nature.uk

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Host or Publisher Wild Walks East Brighton