Start the bray with the dawn chorus

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is not only home to hundreds of friendly donkeys, it’s alive with the sound of birdsong, and visitors are being offered the chance to enjoy the dawn chorus under the expert guidance of one of its ecology officers.

The Wildlife Walk and Breakfast on 9 June offers people the chance to discover the early-morning bird life across the sanctuary, set amongst the beautiful East Devon countryside.

Accompanied by ecology expert Steve Ayers, visitors will enjoy exclusive early morning access to the sanctuary and discover some of its incredible bird life, which include Song Thrush, Blackcap, Yellowhammer, Skylark and Chiffchaff.

“Everyone should enjoy the Dawn Chorus at least once a year,” explains Steve. “It really is the most uplifting way to start a day.

“There is so much gloom around our vanishing wildlife that any reminder of how much is still in our gardens, parks, sanctuaries will inspire you to cherish the everyday, the common and the familiar.”

After exploring the sanctuary, visitors will then head back to the sanctuary’s award-winning restaurant The Kitchen to enjoy a full breakfast with a hot drink, alongside stunning views over the Jurassic coast and of the resident donkeys roaming their paddocks

Steve adds: ”There is such a wide variety of bird life at the sanctuary, I counted 15 species in the first 10 minutes of a walk this week, and we hope many of our regular songsters will serenade us around the sanctuary and back to The Kitchen”

The Wildlife Walk and Breakfast event runs from 7am to 10am on 9 June. Tickets cost £15 per person and include a full breakfast and hot drink served at 8.30am in The Kitchen.

To book, please visit: Wildlife Walk and Breakfast | The Donkey Sanctuary