Witness natural history firsthand on an adventure to Nonsuch Island this summer.

'The Cahow: Back from the Brink' is just one of a series of historical tours taking place over the coming months.

Organised by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, the 'Historical Heartbeats Lecture Series 2009' aims to educate the public about the Island's rich cultural heritage and fascinating natural history.

Dale Butler, Minister of Culture and Social Rehabilitation, said: "As Bermuda celebrates its 400th anniversary it is most timely that the lecture series provides a wonderful opportunity to be taken on a journey covering some key chapters in the history of Bermuda."

The Historical Heartbeats series consists of one lecture per month, often free to the public, and runs from April to October.

Mr. Butler said: "It is intended to educate Bermuda's residents and visitors alike about our Island's rich cultural heritage.

"A variety of unusual locations will be used all over the Island with a view of offering an unforgettable experience."

The first lecture takes place in the East End on April 23, with tour buses leaving St. George's Square at 6 p.m. 'A Taste Of The East: St. George's Bus and Walking Tour' has been planned with the World Heritage Site Committee and will be presented by Richard Lowry, Andrew Bermingham and Drew Pettit.

In May the public is then invited on a unique visit to Nonsuch Island to see Bermuda's endangered endemic Cahow.

The tour will be presented by Jeremy Madeiros and Lucinda Spurling and involves a boat trip on The Coral Sea, for an admission of $15.

In June, the lecture series picks up pace with a tour on a fast ferry as the public has the chance to witness '44 Years in a Day'.

This "signature event" for Bermuda's 400th anniversary year also coincides with the Heritage Month theme for 2009 of 'A Journey Through The Centuries'. Dr. Michael Jarvis and Dr. Clarence Maxwell will enlighten the public on various aspects of the Island's history.

In July, the focus moves to the West End as Dr. Edward Harris, Andrew Bermingham and James E. Smith present 'Blood, Sweat, Toil and Tears: The Story of Dockyard, Casemates and Convicts'.

Historical Heartbeats was founded in 2004 as a series of social history lectures.

It has since widened in scope to include field trips where people can witness history firsthand through lectures 'on site'.

Government will announce more details on the forthcoming lectures over the coming months.