An evening of surprises and song, both bird and human, but also of silence; this was no concert in the conventional sense.

Landowner Nick Lear’s acres of woodland held a very special secret.

The lucky ticket holders assembled at dusk and were led into the trees for the start of what was to be a late night adventure.

Led by musician and avid collector of folk songs Sam Lee, this was an experience in which human timetables gave way to nature.

Sam had previously been to this location to record the nightingales, and could hardly contain his excitement to be back, which proved infectious.

Around a campfire we learned about the life of the bird and its role within folklore, and it was a privilege to listen to the woodland sounds as darkness fell.

But none of this compared to the exquisite song of the nightingale we came across after a walk in darkness along a disused railway line, accompanied by a chorus of marsh frogs. An orchestra of sound from a single bird cast a spell over all present, taken to the next level with accompanying voice and cello.

A once in a lifetime experience.

Five stars