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World's biggest School
wildlife survey celebrates 15 years, with children on Merseyside
TENS of thousands of Schoolchildren
across the UK, including Merseyside, will be peering out of their classroom
windows, for the RSPB's 'Big Schools' Birdwatch 2016', that
started on 4 January 2016 and runs until 12 February 2016. Now in its 15th
year, the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch will become the 'World's
Biggest School Wildlife Survey.' it is hoped that it will help to
track numbers of birds that use School grounds, giving the charity an
insight into the wildlife which is doing well or not so well, and providing
Schoolchildren with a great learning experience.
The survey encourages Schoolchildren of all ages, and their teachers, to
count the birds in their School grounds for 1 hour of 1 day. Each School's
findings help the RSPB's experts to build a picture of bird populations and
monitor any changes, while carrying out the survey helps children to improve
their observation skills.
Last year, a record breaking 90,000 pupils and teachers across the UK took
part in the Big Schools' Birdwatch, which revealed the blackbird as the most
commonly seen bird in School grounds, with 85% of Schools seeing an average
of 5.
Now the RSPB is looking forward to receiving this year's School wildlife
sightings, which also contribute to the results of the RSPB's annual Big
Garden Birdwatch; which has the title of the 'Biggest Wildlife Survey
In The World', that will take place over 30 January 2016 to 31
January 2016.
James Harding Morris, RSPB Big Schools' Birdwatch Co-ordinator said:-
"This fun and educational activity is suitable for all ages and abilities
and, best of all, it takes just 1 lesson or lunchtime. Research has shown
that children are increasingly disconnected from nature, which is linked to
poorer physical and mental health, so this event is a great way to get young
people excited about the world around them. It also provides us with
valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and
encourages the children to help give nature a home."
There is still time for Schools to sign up to take part in the Birdwatch.
Teachers, helpers or children don't need to be experts to take part in the
survey. Everything a teacher would need to plan a fantastic Birdwatch, and
develop their children's knowledge and interest in the birds they see every
day, is available to download, including guidance notes, things to make and
counting charts. To register a School to take part please click on
here.
The Big Schools' Birdwatch and Big Garden Birdwatch are part of the RSPB's
Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the problems facing the
UK's threatened wildlife. For more information on how to give nature a home,
visit:-
RSPB.Org.UK/Homes.
Also, if your School is taking part in
this Birdwatch, please do let us know via emailing us at:-
News24@southportReporter.Com.
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