BGS join in the RSPB birdwatch
6th March 2010
Youngsters at a leading independent school on the outskirts of Harrogate combined breakfast and birdwatching when they joined in the RPSB’s Big School Bird Watch.
Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School arrived at school extra-early to record the number, and variety, of birds at the bird table for the RSPB.
It is the fourth year pupils at Belmont Grosvenor, based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, have taken part in the world’s biggest bird survey, organised by the RSPB, which aims to provide a vital snapshot of the UK’s birds each winter.
Belmont Grosvenor School, along with its Magic Tree Day Care Nursery, caters for children aged three months to 11. Teachers at the school run a Nature Club and Environment Club for pupils to encourage children to take an interest in their surroundings and the environment.
Year 1 Teacher Anne Harrison said: “Belmont Grosvenor has the most wonderful grounds, and both the Nature and Environment Clubs are very popular with the children as it allows them to appreciate and make the most of this outstanding setting.
“The idea of the RSPB Big School Bird Watch is to count how many birds are at the bird table at the same time during a specific time. We carry out a survey and then give the results to the RSPB.
“Our results show that we have an increased number of robins, blackbirds and nuthatch, but the numbers of blue and coal tits have declined. We hope there are more visiting other bird tables in other areas.
“The children really enjoyed taking part – and it is a great chance for them to learn about birds, record information, and be part of the RSPB’s survey team,” she said.
