PUPILS AT BELMONT GROSVENOR SCHOOL JOIN IN RSPB’S BIG SCHOOL’S BIRDWATCH
30th January 2009
Youngsters at Belmont Grosvenor School got out their binoculars and birdfeed this week to join in the RPSB’s Big School Bird Watch.
Children at the independent co-educational preparatory school, set in more than 20 acres of countryside on the outskirts of Harrogate, arrived at school extra-early to record the number, and variety, of birds at the bird table for the RSPB.
It is the third 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.
“We have been thrilled in the past by having nuthatchers, pheasants and woodpeckers at the bird table. 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.
