NATURE lovers across the county are being urged to listen out for nightingales during April and May.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is trying to assess how many of the rare birds are left in Worcestershire, and wants to be contacted by people if they hear one.

Nightingales are distinctive as the male birds sing all day and all through the night.

Harry Green, of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said the Langdale Woods, near the Three Counties Showground at Malvern, is traditionally a good place to hear them.

"Nightingales have nested in some woods and scrub areas in south Worcestershire in recent years and we want to know if they are still around," he said.

"There is some hope if we can encourage landowners to create the right kind of scrub or woodland near where nightingales already breed, then others will settle nearby."

Anyone who hears a nightingale should call Worcestershire Wildlife Trust on 01905 754919.