RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch

Photo: Ray Kennedy

A male blackbird perched on garden fence

School children in the borough will join tens of thousands across the UK peering out of their classroom windows this month to take part in the world’s biggest school wildlife survey.

Now in its 15th year, the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch helps to track numbers of birds in school grounds, giving the charity an insight into the wildlife which is doing well or not so well, and providing schoolchildren with a great learning experience.

Running from 4 January - 12 February 2016, the survey encourages schoolchildren of all ages, and their teachers, to count the birds in their school grounds for one hour of one day. Each school’s findings help RSPB experts to build a picture of bird populations and monitor any changes, while carrying out the survey helps children to improve their observation skills.

Last year, a record breaking 90,000 pupils and teachers across the UK took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which revealed the blackbird as the most commonly seen bird in school grounds, with 85% of schools seeing an average of five.

Now the RSPB is looking forward to receiving this year’s school wildlife sightings, which also contribute to the results of the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the biggest wildlife survey in the world, taking place on 30-31 January.

James Harding-Morris, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator, said: “This fun and educational activity is suitable for all ages and abilities and, best of all, it takes just one lesson or lunchtime.

“Research has shown that children are increasingly disconnected from nature, which is linked to poorer physical and mental health, so this event is a great way to get young people excited about the world around them. It also provides us with valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and encourages the children to help give nature a home.”

There is still time for schools to sign up to take part in the Birdwatch. Teachers, helpers or children don’t need to be experts to take part in the survey. Everything a teacher would need to plan a birdwatch, and develop their children’s knowledge and interest in the birds they see everyday, is available to download, including guidance notes, things to make and counting charts.

To register to take part, visit:

rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch