Fifteen met on a mild, overcast evening, with one short spell of light rain. RSPB had identified three territories of singing Nightingales this year, there having been only two in each of the previous three years (down from 20 singing males in 2001). There were plenty of woodland birds (18 species total) to entertain us before the main event. Song Thrush and Blackbird were the most prevalent, with nine each, followed by Robin, Wren, and Blackcap. We had four Great Spotted Woodpeckers. One each were heard of Nuthatch, Treecreeper and Goldcrest. Arriving at the first reported territory at about 20:15, all was quiet, other than a Song Thrush occasionally trying out Nightingale mimicry. After 15 minutes we followed the path to the other side of the scrub, and we heard the first snatches of Nightingale song. The bird then treated us to a prolonged recital, to much delight. We proceeded to the second and third territories without success. Arriving back at the car park we decided to return along the track to the second territory, and by then a second Nightingale was singing. It was good to know that some birds had returned, but this population at the edge of the range remains vulnerable. I wonder how far my grandchildren will need to travel to hear Nightingales in 2036. Thanks to Robin for keeping the bird list. (Thanks to Gareth for leading). Gareth Roberts