Between 6.30pm and 9pm, reserve staff and volunteers will be around the nature trail to highlight the rich melody of the nightingales from the evening chorus and point out the elusive birds themselves.

Samantha Stokes, RSPB visitor officer, said: "At this time of year some people come to the reserve simply to hear the nightingales, and many people have ambitions of seeing the birds.

"Traditionally, the nightingale is an accomplished skulker, performing from within deep scrub cover.

"However, our nightingales seem to have a continental flair, and like their European counterparts are much more conspicuous, often being seen singing out in the open.

"The reserve currently has five confirmed singing nightingale territories, and is arguably one of the best places in Sussex to hear them.

"If you have never heard a nightingale sing, or not seen one singing, come to the Nightingale Festival at Pulborough Brooks – you may have been missing out on one of the world's natural delights."

Entry to the Nightingale Festival is free, normal nature trail entry fee applies: £3.50 adults, £2.50 concessions, £1 children (five to 16 years), £7 family (two adults and up to four children).



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