The Big Schools' Birdwatch
Primary school children in
the Wyre Forest district are spreading their wings on the Big
Schools' Birdwatch thanks to a partnership between Wyre Forest
District Council, Bodenham Arboretum and the West Midland Bird
Club.
As part of the Big Schools Birdwatch, local children from seven
schools will visit Bodenham Arboretum to gain specialist advice and
knowledge provided by the Kidderminster branch of the West Midlands
Bird Club.
Topics such as feeding birds over the winter and understanding why
bird boxes are provided are all explored. Children also learn to
distinguish between different song calls and have a go at
identifying the numerous breeds of bird that visit the
Arboretum.
Brian Rickett, Chairman of the Kidderminster branch of the West
Midland Bird Club said:
“The children are very enthusiastic about the subject. They’ve
learned how climate change is affecting birds - particularly in
their migration habits. It’s important to connect the lives we live
to the creatures around us.”
Councillor Tracey Onslow, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet
Member for Housing and Environmental Services said:
“Bodenham Arboretum is a wonderful setting and this is a great
opportunity for the children to experience natural wildlife on
their doorsteps and learn how to look after it.”
The Big Schools' Birdwatch runs between 18th January and
1st February. It encourages schools to help monitor UK
bird numbers. The scheme is rich in curriculum links and is also
beneficial to Schools tackling the biodiversity theme, in order to
warrant their Eco Schools flags.
Councillor Tracey Onslow is pictured (right) with from left to
right: James Binnian (Owner of Bodenham Arboretum) Doug Wall, Tony
Smith (West Midland Bird Club) and Brian Rickett (chair of West
Midland Bird Club). Front row: Brandon Kimaryo, Olli White, Eleanor
Rees and Ella Marshall (all from St John’s Primary School,
Kidderminster)
Date of issue - 18th January 2010
