Taking Flight – RSPB invites teachers and pupils to take part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch
Registrations are now open for the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch. Now in its 15th year, the initiative sees pupils and teachers across the country undertake an hour-long wildlife survey during the first half of the spring term, counting the number and variety of birds visiting the school’s grounds. Last year’s event saw 90,000 teachers and […]
Registrations are now open for the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch.
Now in its 15th year, the initiative sees pupils and teachers across the country undertake an hour-long wildlife survey during the first half of the spring term, counting the number and variety of birds visiting the school’s grounds.
Last year’s event saw 90,000 teachers and pupils take part, with many schools preparing for the event in advance by setting up birdfeeders and nestboxes. More than 70 different species have been recorded in school grounds since the first Big Schools’ Birdwatch was held in 2002, ranging from relatively common starlings and blackbirds, to more unusual sighting of kestrels and egrets, among others.
According to James Harding-Morris, Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator at the RSPB, “This is a fun and educational activity and is open to every school in the UK. It’s flexible enough to fit into a lesson or during lunchtime and links well to the curriculum or project work. It also provides valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and everyone who takes part will be learning about how to give nature a home at their school.”
Schools have between now and February 12th to register. For more details, visit www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch
