Young children have a natural curiosity about the world around them, and the Little Schools’ Birdwatch was a great way to encourage and develop this. Children in Kirkstyle have begun to discover and learn about the different birds that share their outdoor space at school and at home.

Little Schools’ Birdwatch (especially designed for early years classes) and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are schools and groups counterparts to the Big Garden Birdwatch, which the R.S.P.B. has run annually for over 30 years. By joining in, Kirkstyle was participating in the world’s biggest birdwatch!

The Little Schools’ Birdwatch took place over two weeks from 16 -30 January 2012. We had some help along the way, as all cooking classes made bird cake and feeders to hang in the outside spaces. Once completed we sent our results to the R.S.P.B.  they then collect them all together from across the U.K. This helps them to see how birds are doing across the U.K. It also means that the R.S.P.B. can feed back the national results to the pupils along with a certificate of participation.

Spark a lifelong interest in nature and follow our handy hints for successful birdwatching:

• Start early! Birds are more likely to feed and be easy to spot in the morning.
• Set up some feeders and some water – in a convenient pace near your windows if possible.
• You could try to make some speedy bird cake- its a fantastic messy activity! Children love to make it just as much as the birds like to eat it!
• OR – Why not buy a bird feeder with some bird cake at the Spring Fayre.
• You could make a ‘hide’ or role play area. Disguise with a sheet or large sheets of paper – remember eye slits to peep out of.
• If you prefer you could watch from outside, perhaps in the local park, at the beach or a wooded area to spot different species.