Charlie Corbett’s birdsong walks at Marlborough LitFest 2021

Charlie Corbett, author of ‘12 Birds to Save Your Life: Nature’s Lessons in Happiness’, led two sell-out birdsong walks on Sunday October 3 as part of Marlborough LitFest 2021.

Kay Newman was fortunate to participate. She writes: “The sun is shining, skylarks are hovering and singing ‘knocking on heaven’s door’ as Charlie Corbett describes them. What better way to spend a Sunday morning, walking and talking about birds and birdsong on the top of a hill, overlooking the Pewsey Vale. 

I was lucky enough to take part in a magical ‘Birdsong Walk’ tour with Charlie Corbett. Written after Charlie went through some difficult times in his life, the book is about reconnecting with nature and the importance of that reconnection for our mental health.  And reconnect we did.  At this time of year there aren’t as many birds singing as one would like, but Charlie masterly linked birdsong to literature, filling any birdsong void with quotes from T.S.Eliot, Keats and other literary giants.

It was a walk to remember, filled with nature, birdsong, laughter and thoughtful insights.  It has only increased my desire to learn more about the wonders of birdsong and the nature which is all around us, and to contemplate what nature can do for the soul.”