Teesdale children urged to watch the birdies

CHILDREN across Teesdale are being encouraged to take part in the country’s biggest schools’ wildlife survey.

This year’s RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch has begun and continues until February 23.

Last year, almost 600 children and teachers from across County Durham took part.

The blackbird was the most common playground visitor in the county and 94 per cent of schools taking spotted one during their watch.

Woodpigeons, house sparrows and robins all featured prominently in the results, and with more than 70 species recorded, there is sure to be a few surprises in this year’s survey.

The RSPB says the birdwatch is the perfect opportunity for school children to get outside and learn more about their feathered friends.

The birdwatch involves children spending an hour watching and counting the birds that visit their outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.

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 fun and simple to set up, and it works for all ages.

“We hope that taking part will inspire school children in County Durham 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 first 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 first half of the spring term to take part, with the flexibility to run it as a one 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 visit rspb. org.uk/schoolswatch