Local children are being encouraged to get outside to count and record the number of different birds visiting their playgrounds as part of a country-wide campaign.
Mayor Dan Norris taking part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch 2024 | Photo © WECA
West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris is urging youngsters to take part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, led by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Running until Monday 19th February, the campaign helps the charity find out which bird species are thriving and crucially, those that are declining too.
Studies show around half of the birds in the country are at risk of extinction or threatened, the Metro Mayor has warned.
Mr Norris said he wants more local children to be engaged with nature from an early age and take their enthusiasm through to adulthood.
He said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the West’s youngsters to chart the West of England’s wildlife.
“It’s all about raising awareness with children in terms of the animals they have in their own area.
“And it works – last year, I met many youngsters coming to me telling me what sort of things they spotted in their school grounds, their gardens or when they’ve generally been out and about.
“It really does show that seeing it first hand is the single best way to get our young people excited about nature.
“By getting out to watch our feathered friends in action, they can learn so much, not least thinking about how we can protect our precious planet, and the animals we share it with.
“I urge all Bath and NE Somerset students to get outside and turn their eyes to the skies.”
For more information on how to register for Big Schools’ Birdwatch 2024, a free activity, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.
