A FOLK singer will take over an Essex woodland location for a series of campfire shows based around the song of the nightingale.

Mercury prize nominated Sam Lee will be hosting the Singing with Nightingales events at Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve next month.

The open air concerts will include a moonlit walk and campfire feast with songs, stories and folklore all linked to the nightingale, one of Britain’s rarest birds known for its beautiful song.

Sam says: “The song of the nightingale has been captivating human hearts and imaginations since ancient times and our Singing with Nightingales events are a way for guests to experience this same timeless magic and a unique connection to the natural world.”

The idea for the sessions came after a string of sell-out performances at the Brighton Festival with the Nightingale Walk on the South Downs.

It also follows his performance of song The Tan Yard Side to the accompaniment of nightingale song, marking the 90th anniversary of the BBC’s first ever broadcast, being highlighted on Radio 4’s Pick of the Year programme.

He adds: “The early evening will be spent round the campfire, sharing good food, ornithological insights, folk songs and stories about these incredible birds.

“We will all, then, walk deeper into the bird’s habitat, in complete darkness and silence, to experience - in unbelievable, ear-tingling proximity - their exquisite music before I and the guest musicians collaborate, improvise and communicate in the language of song with these unique singers.”

Before Sam became a folk singer he was a wilderness survival expert and once travelled as a student of television survivalist Ray Mears.

His debut album Ground of its Own received a Mercury Prize Album of the Year nomination in 2012 and also won the Froots Critics Poll Best Album of the Year award.

According to Essex Wildlife Trust’s Charlie Oliver, Nightingale numbers have suffered a serious decline and in 2015 were added to the Red List for Birds, meaning they are of highest conservation concern.

Essex remains a key stronghold, so to recognise and protect the UK’s most iconic songbird, Essex Wildlife Trust continues to hold their guided evening walks at Fingringhoe Wick, to celebrate this melodic species.

Charlie says: “Fingringhoe Wick is one of the best places in the country to hear and see nightingales, with up to 40 males singing. Birds have started to return after their epic migration from Africa. Listening to their open-air concert is one of Essex’s most wonderful wildlife experiences.”

Essex Wildlife Trust’s guided Nightingale Walks continue every day from 7.30pm to 9pm, until May 13. They can booked in advance on 01206 729678 with a recommended £6 donation per person.

In addition Sam Lee’s Singing With Nightingales takes place on May 5, 6 and 13 and is priced £80 per person.

For more information go to www.singingwithnightingales.com