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Eagle eyed School children
in Cheshire to look out for the nation's favourite birds
BLACKBIRDS, house sparrows and robins are at the top
of the checklist for hundreds of School children across Cheshire this week as
the world's biggest Schools' wildlife survey kicks off.
The RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch; which takes place during the 1st ½ of the spring
term, that runs until 23 February 2018, is a chance for children to put down
their books and get outside to experience and learn about the nature that lives
in their local community.
The Birdwatch involves children spending an hour watching and counting the birds
that visit their outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.
A recent survey of 200 teachers and 1200 School children from around the UK
revealed that 96% teachers believed it was important for children to experience
nature at School, while 77% of pupils agreed. With close to a million School
children taking part since its launch in 2002, the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch is
the perfect opportunity for Schools to get outside, learn and make their 1st
discoveries in nature.
Last year, more than 1000 children and teachers in Cheshire took part. House
sparrow was the most common playground visitor in the county and over ½ of
Schools spotted 1 during their watch. Blackbirds, woodpigeons and starlings all
featured prominently in the results, and with over 70 different species
recorded, there is sure to be a few surprises in Schools around the county.
Emma Reed, RSPB Education, Families and Youth manager in Northern England said:-
"Taking part in Big Schools Birdwatch uses just 1 lesson or lunchtime, so
it's really fun and simple to set up, and it works for all ages. We hope that
taking part will inspire School children in Cheshire about the wildlife they
share their space with. Sadly, children today are spending less time outside in
nature, which means they are missing out on the positive impact it has on their
physical health, emotional wellbeing and their education. The Birdwatch is the
perfect chance for them to experience nature first hand, make exciting
discoveries, and the results help provide our scientists with valuable
information, so the children are helping to make a real difference for
wildlife."
For the 1st time the RSPB has partnered with Cbeebies favourites Twirlywoos to
provide exciting new activities and resources specifically tailored to Early
Years, to help get their mini Birdwatches off to a flying start.
The Big Schools Birdwatch is a free activity and only takes an hour to complete.
Teachers can pick any day during the 1st ½ of the spring term to take part, with
the flexibility to run it as a 1 off or as the centre piece of a cross
curricular study, project work or a way for the children to improve their
outdoor space.
To take part in the Big Schools Birdwatch and help the next generation of
children start their own wildlife adventure, visit:-
RSPB.Org.UK/SchoolsWatch.
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