Pupils get lesson in nature as they join big birdwatch

About 75,000 students and teachers in 2,000 schools will be counting the birds that visit their school grounds for the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which is being organised by the RSPB.

The survey, which has been running for more than a decade, will contribute to the results of the wildlife charity’s Big Garden Birdwatch which is taking place on Saturday and Sunday.

The RSPB’s education manager, Suzanne Welch, said: “For four weeks this winter, children gazing out of their classroom window will have a good excuse.

“Rather than daydreaming, it’s more likely they’ll be taking part in the RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch – watching to see what kinds of birds they can spot visiting their school grounds, then noting them down.

“Seeing it first hand is the single best way to enthuse young people about nature, and by watching birds from their classroom window they can learn so much.”

The scheme helps to track bird numbers and involve youngsters in finding out more about the natural world on their doorstep.

Bird populations are seen as a good indication of the health of the nation’s ecosystems, and the results of the survey will be used to highlight problems affecting the wider environment.

Blackbirds have been the most commonly spotted bird in school grounds for five years running, with 89 per cent of schools visited by the species, and an average of six birds seen in each school.

In second place last year was the starling, seen in more than 40 per cent of school grounds, with an average of more than four birds recorded.

The black-headed gull came in third in the survey, after knocking the wood pigeon out of the top-three slot.

The RSPB has also introduced the Little Schools’ Birdwatch for five-year-olds and under, while the Really Big Schools’ Birdwatch is aimed at 11- to 14-year-olds.