Sutton residents have the opportunity to enjoy an early-morning spring birdsong chorus on Sunday 1 May at Queen Mary’s Woodland, Carshalton.

The event, run by Sutton Council’s Biodiversity Team, begins at 5am and costs £5 per person for the unique chance to learn about bird calls from the experts.

Attendees will also be able to find out more about some of the fantastic events which the Biodiversity Team have planned for the spring and summer.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environments and Neighbourhoods Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“As the weather gets warmer and the mornings a little brighter this is a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in the wonderful wildlife of our borough to learn more from our biodiversity experts.

“It’s an early start but don’t let that put you off. Anyone who’d like to know more about our work keeping Sutton green should definitely make a date in their diary.”

Some of the birdsongs attendees may hear include nuthatch, blackbird, long-tailed tit and greater spotted woodpecker. Prior booking is essential – you can find out how to reserve your place with the Sutton Ecology Centre here.

Diana Hurter, Treasurer for Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers group, said:

“I love the violets that grow here at Queen Mary’s Woodland. The new paths planned for the woodland will make this a real wildlife haven that everyone can enjoy.

“If you manage to get up early enough for our dawn chorus event you’ll have a special experience of what this woodland has to offer!”

Queen Mary’s Woodland originally formed part of the grounds of the former Queen Mary’s Hospital for Children which closed in 1993. The estate has since been developed for new housing, with the woodland being transferred to the London Borough of Sutton.

Notes:

– The Queen Mary’s Woodland project is funded by £300,000 of Planning Gain money, given to the London Borough of Sutton under a Section 106 Planning Gain agreement.

– The London Borough of Sutton will be working closely with Sutton Nature Conservation Volunteers and other local groups over the next two years.

– This is the first public event under this programme. There will be a launch event once the planned walkway improvements are complete.