The Big Garden Birdwatch

Children at Pilgrim Academy took part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.

The RPSB host the event every year to create the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey.

To take part you simply need to spend an hour watching the birds that come into your garden over the chosen weekend in January and record what birds you see.

Leanne Kapka, Teacher and Wildlife Co-ordinator at Pilgrim Academy said: “We are always trying to encourage more outdoor learning within the Wildlife Area because we are very lucky to have such a resource in school. The Outdoor Classroom is ideal for taking classes outside and exploring nature a little more. My class love it.”

The pupils ventured out into the Academy’s purpose-built area which has been designed to attract lots of wildlife such as birds, foxes and hedgehogs.

Children from Kingfisher class explored the outdoor areas to see what birds they could see and marked down on their birdwatching chart how many of each were seen.

Annalise Taylor from Kingfishers said: “I can see lots of blackbirds.”

Fellow classmate Jack Lambert added: “I am hoping to see a robin.”

Miss Kapka, said: “It’s great to get the children out of the classroom and exploring our Wildlife Garden. They’re very enthusiastic about seeing animals in there and there’s lots of interest in the Big Garden Birdwatch.”

Pupil Chloe Steward commented: “I would love to see some different birds but I’ve seen lots of pigeons and seagulls today.”

Fellow pupil Ayse Ibriham said: “Our Wildlife Garden is perfect for bird watching with all of the benches and the Outdoor Classroom. It is great to get outside.”

In 2023, over half a million people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, counting a huge 9.1 million birds. This year, our pupils wanted to take part by taking a look in our Wildlife Garden and some will be taking part at home.

Principal Rachel Clarke added: “We are very lucky at Pilgrim to have a range of outdoor spaces that both children and staff can benefit from. Our Wildlife Area can be accessed all year round and this term, we are fortunate to have had visits from foxes!

Kingfishers class enjoyed taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and this is something that all classes will be able to participate in over the coming weeks. Outdoor learning is an important part of our curriculum offer so children learn from their surroundings and most importantly, take their learning beyond the classroom. This has such a positive impact on their mental wellbeing.”