A PURBECK nature reserve is set to play a key role during this year's International Dawn Chorus Day.

Taking place on the first Sunday of May, the initiative is billed as 'a worldwide celebration of nature's greatest symphony'.

In the UK the RSPB is inviting wildlife lovers to wake at sunrise for a dawn chorus livestream from nature reserves across the country – with RSPB Arne playing its part in proceedings.

A spokesman for the RSPB said: "This year to help the public make the most of their reconnection with nature, the RSPB is celebrating International Dawn Chorus day with an ambitious livestream of dawn chorus from its nature reserves across the UK.

"We’ll also be joined as the morning progresses by special guests including Chris Packham, Megan McCubbin and others, to share their experiences of the dawn chorus and what makes it so special."

According to a recent YouGov poll two thirds of people in the UK said nature was a source of solace during the pandemic, with more than half of those surveyed (51 per cent) believing the pandemic has made them more aware of the nature around them.

The charity will be inviting the nation to ‘start the day differently’ and get up with the RSPB at 5am on Sunday,May 2, to experience their own doorstep dawn chorus and share their own soundscapes across social media using #DawnChorusDay.

The spokesman said: "With the livestream featuring a whole host of the nation’s favourite birds and wildlife throughout the morning, tune in to all the action right here in Dorset from the comfort of your own home.

"Listen out for the fantastic songsters from Dorset’s very own RSPB Arne and RSPB Radipole Lake, including the enchanting churring of the nightjar."

Visit www.rspb.org.uk/dawnchorus and follow @RSPBEngland on Facebook and Twitter to find out more.