On Monday the RSPB’s annual Big Schools’ Birdwatch was launched, aimed at encouraging school children to take an active interest in the birdlife around their schools.

How does it work?

Teachers can request a free activity pack online, containing plenty of suggestions and activities as well as information on what type of birds you can expect to see.

Bird feeders need to be set up throughout the school to attract bids, before an hour is set aside for school children to monitor all the birds in their school grounds. The results are then sent back to RSPB, helping RSPB to monitor the state of birdlife in the UK.

“The Big Schools’ Birdwatch provides an opportunity to introduce thousands of children to the wildlife visiting their school environment,” said Andy Simpson, head of youth and education at RSPB. “How can we expect them to care about the natural world if they don’t experience and enjoy it.”

In 2009 over 90,000 schools took part in the initiative and it’s not too late to take part. The Birdwatch runs until 1st February so there’s still time to call up and order a free teachers activity pack.