Binoculars are at the ready as children from all over the borough take part in Islington's Big Schools Bird Watch (Monday 23 January - Friday 3 February).
Over 40 Islington schools are involved in the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) survey, more than anywhere in the country. The survey, the largest of it's kind will help the council paint a picture of Islington's bird population and encourage children's interest in nature and their local environment.
Cllr Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability said: "We want to make Islington a greener, more pleasant place to live now and in the future - and that means protecting our wildlife for the next generation to enjoy.
“The Big Schools Bird Watch is a brilliant way for kids to get involved in observing and protecting nature. I'm really proud that Islington is the leading borough on this year's event. And it's not just for schools - residents of all ages can all do our bit for Islington’s bird population by putting out a bird feeder or making a bird box.”
Throughout the fortnight, pupils will experience nature first hand when they visit Islington's parks and green spaces including the council's Ecology Centre and Regents Canal. The council's Nature Conservation and Ranger Team's and RSPB officers will help the children during their bird watch.
Tim Webb from the RSPB said: “We are delighted at the response shown by Islington schools to our BSBW, with over 40 signing up to watch birds, this is easily the biggest participation of schools in one borough. What we hope to do through BSBW is to encourage teachers and children to look outside the confines of their classroom and see that their school grounds can actually be a fantastic haven for lots of birds and other wildlife.”
Numbers of some of the UK's most common birds are declining. Even the humble House Sparrow has fallen in number by nearly 50% in the last 25 years, with the Starling suffering a similar fate.
Each school will also put up a bird box that the children can monitor throughout the year. This will give them an opportunity to study birds in more detail while continuing to help the council get a better understanding of Islington's bird population.
Through its biodiversity action plan Islington Council aims to protect the great number of species, plants and habitats so they are available for the next generation to enjoy. These plans include helping Islington’s bird population, with a specific focus on the House Sparrow.
Big Schools Bird Watch runs either side of the Big Garden Bird Watch (28 – 29 January) which anyone can take part in. All you need to do is watch birds in your garden or park for an hour and send the results to the RSPB.
Adults can get involved as well on the weekend of January 28-29 when the 2006 Big Garden Bird Watch takes place. All you need to do is to watch the birds in your garden or local park for an hour, note what you see and send in the results. For more information have a look on the RSPB’s website at: http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/ or call 08701 222792 to request an information pack.
Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008