Council Greenspace officers’ message is on song

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Greenspace officers are keen to let everyone know this Sunday is International Dawn Chorus Day.

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature's greatest symphony. All across the world people rise early to listen to the sweet sound of birdsong.

Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “During these challenging times, nature can be a comfort to us all.  What better way of getting a boost that listening to beautiful bird song.  Even if an early morning walk to hear the dawn chorus is not your thing, perhaps listen out for birdsong on your daily exercise, or just open a window at home on a sunny day.”

Greenspace officers have shared the joys of their enviable ‘office’ – the borough’s wonderful parks and open spaces - with a video of early morning bird song in Northwich Woodlands.  On the dawn chorus video (rather dark because it was filmed at 4am) the songs of crows, wood pigeons, blackbirds, wrens, blackcap, pheasant, songthrush, blue tit, great tit and a green woodpecker can be heard.

Councillor Gittins added: “Our Greenspace officers and StreetCare team continue to look after our parks and open spaces during the pandemic, so people can enjoy their daily exercise there.  We know the positive impact nature can have on our mental wellbeing. And now, with the nation limited to just one session of outdoor exercise a day, we have all come to realise just how important nature is for our mental health.  Listening to birds can show us how much happiness can be found in the simplicity of natural world.  I’ll be getting up early on Sunday to listen to the birdsong on International Dawn Chorus Day.”