Words by Smiley Team
Schools may be closed, but as spring approaches, wildlife charity the RSPB is offering an educational boost, inviting parents, carers and teachers to get children outdoors for the annual Big Schools’ Birdwatch.
Every year, educators from around the country take part, giving children a taste of conservation science and helping the organisation track the health of British birds.
RSPB spokesperson Caroline Offord said: “We want to support teachers to deliver their Big Schools’ Birdwatch during this challenging time. For children learning remotely, we have started to signpost teachers to other resources.”
She added: “This past year, we’ve seen how important the natural world is to our mental health and wellbeing. There has been a surge in interest in nature on our doorsteps, but nature needs us too. By taking part in the birdwatch, children are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK.”
Registration for the event is open till 1st February 2021. Educators can submit their results any time between 5th January and 22nd February 2021. After the final submissions come in, the RSPB will share results so every child can see the positive impact of their efforts.
To participate, children can fill bird feeders, transform learning spaces into bird hides and bake wildlife-friendly treats. They can contribute by leaving out bird food or planting more wildlife-friendly plants to attract insects for birds to feed on.
These activities teach them about birdlife and prepare them for watching and counting birds for the 20th anniversary of the educational event, after which they can monitor their impact on the bird world by comparing the number of species seen one year to the next.
To support the RSPB’s valuable conservation work, you might consider giving to them via their donations page. You can support individual campaigns, make a regular donation, or donate as a gift for a loved one who passed away, to protect birdlife whilst cherishing their memory.
