The programme, to be aired at 1:15pm on Sunday 22 May, features Even Sparrows, a Christian organisation that runs bird watching retreats throughout Northumberland, and particularly on Lindisfarne - a special place due to its connections to St Aidan who founded the monastery there and one of its monks, St Cuthbert, who was responsible for bringing Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons

The Even Sparrows retreats, run by Mark Winter, a former trustee of the wildlife charity, are best described as birdwatching at a slow pace with prayer and the opportunity for silent reflection whilst listening to birdsong.

As part of the programme, Mike Pratt, Northumberland Wildlife Trust Chief Executive was filmed speaking about how the wildlife charity works constantly to remind people about the way nature inspires and connect everybody to the bigger picture of all life.  He was also keen to stress that just as God offers support, as see especially in many faiths, nature also offers mental, emotional and physical support - especially over the past two years during covid when millions sought solace in the natural world.

Throughout the course of the filming, both Mark and Mike rejoiced at how lucky we are, and life affirming it is, to live amongst such wonderful wildlife and how each and every person has a duty of care to all things great and small.

At the Northumberland Wildlife Trust Druridge Pools reserve there was discussion about migrating swallows and wading and wildfowl birds which the reserve is noted for, whilst at its East Chevington reserve, the birdwatching group was filmed in front of the bird watching hide watching birds before a prayer and silent meditation with birds such as cetti and reed warblers singing loudly.

Speaking about this Songs of Praise experience Mike says: “Saints Cuthbert and Aiden worshipped outdoor, so our reserves in Northumberland couldn’t be more appropriate places to connect people’s hearts and souls to the spirit of nature and all existence.   

“Whatever an individual’s beliefs, you cannot but marvel at all this of which people are an integral part.”