Experience the Dawn Chorus in the Bishop’s Garden

06 April 2008

Bishop Declan is inviting people to a special event which is part of Clifton Cathedral’s year-long series of environmental events - Sound of Many Waters.  The Bishop is hosting a dawn chorus - in his back garden and part of series of activities on Sunday 6 April.

The event is free and open to all - but you’ll need to be up with larks as it runs from 5am to 8am.  People can drop in at anytime during the event.  To wake you up and keep you going teas, coffee and croissants will be laid on. 

Top naturalist Chris Sperring MBE of the Hawk and Owl Trust leads the event.  He’ll be on hand to explain the sights and sounds of this wonderful springtime sonic experience.

Bishop Declan said, “The dawn chorus is part of Sound of Many Waters - which Clifton Cathedral has organised to explore our need to care for our environment.  It’s a way of helping us find out more about the natural world on our doorstep. 

“I’m delighted Chris Sperring will be with us.  His enthusiasm and insights will really help us enjoy the dawn chorus. 

“I’ve got my alarm clock set!  But if the dawn chorus is a little early for you, there are several other events that might be of interest.”

Organiser Mary Colwell said, “Sound of Many Waters is great opportunity to put our appreciation of the natural world and faith in the same place. 

“Our events on Sunday 6 April - like listening to bird song, finding out about fresh, local food and a nature walk on our wonderful Downs - are usually activities done through naturalist groups and societies.  But here we are enjoying the world around us in a church context.  Our society likes to put activities in different boxes, nature here, religion there, but in reality there is no division, because if God is in all things, then he is in a dawn chorus as well as a church.

“I’m really looking forward to the day and hope people in Bristol and maybe beyond will enjoy it as well.”

The bishop’s garden is at St Ambrose on North Road in Leigh Woods.  Further details and directions from the Sound of Many Waters website.

Three other Sound of Many Waters events take place on Sunday 6 April.

Spring lunch and cookery demonstration with Bordeaux Quay’s Kate Benson
11.30am to 2.30pm in the Apostle Room at Clifton Cathedral
Using seasonal and local ingredients cookery teacher Kate will take you through the preparation of a tasty lunch with a wide variety of dishes which you can then enjoy.  Limited numbers, so tickets are needed.  Book yours for just £20 each on 0117 973 8128. 

Brilliant Birds Family Fun Walk
4pm to 6pm starting at Clifton Cathedral
Fun, games and activities for all the family led by Ed Drewitt from the Bristol Ornithological Club and Mandy Leivers from the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project.  The walk goes to the peregrine watch point on the Downs and, on the way, you’ll learn about the birds that make this amazing area their home.  Free and open to all.  Just meet at the Cathedral at 4pm.

Catholicism and the Natural World
7.30 pm in Clifton Cathedral
The Bishop of Clifton, Right Reverend Declan Lang, who is the Bishop with responsibility for the environment for the Catholic Church in England and Wales, joins Mary Colwell for an illustrated talk.  Free and open to all.

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