TODAY is International Dawn Chorus Day, and West Somerset’s MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has added his support to a new campaign to save Britain’s vanishing songbird population.

He joined RSPB officials for the launch of Let Nature Sing, a specially- created track of pure birdsong aimed at raising awareness that there are 40 million fewer birds in the UK than there were 50 years ago.

It is the first song of its kind to be released as a single into the UK charts and is now publicly available to download.

And it contains some of the most recognisable birdsongs that were once common but that are on their way to disappearing for ever, such as those of the cuckoo, nightingale, and turtle dove.

The charity is calling on the public to download, stream and share the single and help get birdsong into the charts for the first time, spreading the word that people across the UK are passionate about nature’s recovery. 

Directed by Sam Lee, award-winning singer and musician, and produced by Bill Barclay, musical director at the Globe Theatre, the single uses entirely new sound recordings from RSPB nature reserves around the country.

The single is available on all major platforms and it is hoped will reach a crescendo in the charts for International Dawn Chorus Day. More information and access to the download can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/letnaturesing.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, member for Bridgwater and West Somerset said: “All of us who live in the countryside are aware of the fact that birdsong is not as prolific as it once was. While some factors – such as what happens to migratory species in other countries – are beyond our control we should be doing all we can to encourage songbirds by protecting and creating habitats where they can thrive.

“It is up to us to take up this challenge to make our gardens bird-friendly and support the work of the RSPB and others if we don’t want our grandchildren to experience the horror of a silent spring.”

RSPB director for conservation Martin Harper said thousands of people were already buying and streaming the track.

“This has started a national conversation as millions will have heard, seen and read the facts showing that, shockingly, nature is in crisis in the UK,” he said.

“The good news is that it is not too late: we know what needs to be done and together we can take action to restore it for us and for future generations.”