Early risers were rewarded with a fascinating selection of bird songs and sightings during their dawn walk round Fosse Meadows last Saturday.

Led by experienced volunteer ranger, David Mitchell, the group of intrepid birdwatchers spotted 31 species and heard the songs of a further 7 before going home for breakfast.

The list of birds included blackcap, whitethroat, yellowhammer, willow warbler and bullfinch as well as the ever popular robin, blackbird and wren.

Two more unexpected sightings were a tawny owl in a kestrel’s nest box and a green woodpecker perched on the side of a telephone pole nearby.

With its woodlands, flower meadows and wildlife lake, Fosse Meadows is a good area for bird spotting and natural history.

If you are interested in supporting Friends of Fosse Meadows, a group of volunteers who are keen to maintain and improve the nature park, contact Ann at forestmeadowssharnford@gmail.com or 0116 272 7703.

For more information on local green spaces visit www.blaby.gov.uk/countryside