SCHOOLS across Bromsgrove, Rubery, Droitwich and South Birmingham are being urged to take part in The RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch.
The 2018 event got under way on Tuesday and, running until February 23, 70,000, youngsters across the country are expected to take part.
A recent survey of teachers and school children found that an overwhelming majority believed it was important to experience nature at school.
And the Birdwatch is the perfect opportunity for school children to get outside, learn and make their first discoveries in nature.
Pupils spend an hour recording the number of different species they see in their books with blackbirds, house sparrows and robins tipped to be at the top of the checklist.
The results are then sent to the RSPB to be collated, along with the results of the Big Garden Birdwatch.
Last year, 73,000 children and teachers took part counting more than 100,000 birds.
For the ninth successive year the blackbird was the most common playground visitor with 88 per cent of schools spotting one during their watch. Robins, house sparrows and woodpigeons all featured prominently in the results, and with over 70 difference species recorded, there is sure to be a few surprises in schools around the country.
Rebecca Kerfoot, RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch Co-ordinator, said: “The Big Schools Birdwatch is the chance for children to get a taste of the wild side where they live and go to school.
“It’s fun, easy and simple to set up, it works for all ages, and even if it’s a dull, rainy January day you can still gaze out of the classroom and see a flash of colour.
“Sadly, children are spending less time outside in nature, meaning they are missing out on the positive impact nature has on their education, physical health and emotional wellbeing.
“The Birdwatch is the perfect chance to experience nature first hand, make exciting discoveries and help provide scientists with valuable information.”
This year the RSPB has also teamed up 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.
Visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch for more information.
