TENS of thousands of School children across the UK, including Schools throughout Merseyside, will be swapping books for binoculars this term to take part in the UK's biggest schools wildlife survey.

The RSPB's 'Big Schools' Birdwatch 2017' takes place during the 1st ˝ of the spring term and helps children discover the wonderful wildlife they share their school grounds with, whilst providing a helpful insight into which species are thriving or declining.

According to research conducted by the RSPB2, 1 in 5 children are disconnected from nature. 'Big Schools' Birdwatch' aims to inspire children to care about the natural world around them in the hope they'll want to help protect it for future generations.

Last year almost 100,000 pupils and teachers from schools all across the UK took part by counting the birds that visited their school grounds, and it is hoped even more will take part this year.

Over the years, more than 70 different species have been recorded in school grounds, ranging from starlings and house sparrows, to red kites and green woodpeckers. The blackbird remained the most common playground visitor in 2016, whilst starlings held onto the 2nd spot. And for the 1st time wood pigeons made the top 3, jumping up the list from 6th position in 2015.

Since its launch in 2002, the 'Big Schools' Birdwatch' has provided opportunities for children and teachers to learn about how to give nature a home in their school grounds. Many schools prepare for the event in advance by putting up feeders and nestboxes and making bird cake. Seeing and counting the birds coming to their feeders during the 'Big Schools Birdwatch' is the perfect reward for their efforts.

Emma Reed, RSPB Education, Families and Youth Manager in Northern England said:- "Taking part in Big Schools Birdwatch uses just one lesson or lunchtime so it's really easy to get involved. We hope the excitement of taking part will then inspire children in Merseyside to get out and experience more of the wildlife around them. With studies showing that children are becoming increasingly disconnected from nature, a concern that is linked to poorer physical and mental health, we want to provide young people with as many opportunities as possible to have fun exploring the natural world around them."

'The Big Schools' Birdwatch' is the school version of the 'Big Garden Birdwatch' the world's biggest garden wildlife survey aimed at families and individuals. The event will take place over 3 days from  28 January to 30 January 2017 and further information can be found on the RSPB website. 

To register to take part in the:- '2017 RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch', all you have to do is visit:- RSPB.Org.UK/SchoolsWatch.Everything schools need to take part is available to download from the RSPB website.