PEOPLE who appreciate the countryside can treat themselves to a taste of spring in County Durham over the May Bank Holiday.

For early risers, Durham County Council has organised a Dawn Chorus Walk on Saturday, May 1, led by wildlife officer Ian Armstrong.

The three-mile walk starts at 5.30am from Quarrington Hill Community Centre and goes around Cassop Vale. Breakfast, served after the walk, costs £2.

For those who function better later in the day, there is a Nuts in May event on Sunday, with countryside ranger Simon Heney.

The food for free event starts from Wingate Quarry Nature Reserve car park at 2pm. The reserve is on the B1278 between Thornley roundabout and Trimdon.

For those who want to do their bit for birdlife, there is a chance to conserve the tree sparrow and spotted flycatcher in east Durham on Saturday, May 8.

Mr Armstrong and countryside ranger Saul Fajerman will help people to build bird boxes at Little Wood Nature Reserve on the B6291, opposite Cassop Primary School, near Quarrington Hill, from 11am to 3pm. A small charge will be made for materials.

The events are part of the county council's Countryside Events 2004. Leaflets of the year's events are available from libraries, Tourist Information Centres, and County Hall on 0191-383 4144.