Become a bird friendly school

Robin                 Bird

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The RSPB's Bird Friendly Schools initiative is a pioneering, community based project in local primary schools.

It organises volunteers to visit the school and bring to life learning about wildlife around the school and where the children live.

Bird Friendly Schools are primary schools that tap into the natural curiosity of children about the wildlife around them, with the help of trained RSPB volunteers

Children and teachers will find out about the birds that share their school grounds and buildings, discover how to recognise them and get practical advice on looking after them.

The emphasis throughout is on helping the school and teacher to make learning about birds and wildlife fun and part of the life of the school.

How does it work?

  • If you are accepted for the scheme, the specially trained, CRB checked volunteer will work with the Head or a class teacher within your school throughout one academic year.
  • This teacher will need to be committed to the idea of learning and teaching about the natural world, as they will be working with the RSPB volunteer  to help the children with activities such as simple surveys, wildlfe gardening, making bird feeders or monitoring nestboxes.
  • RSPB will provide a starter kit that includes bird feeders, food and nestboxes
  • The volunteer will visit you three times throughout  the school year offering fun and inspiring activities on a theme of birds.
  • There is no charge to the school but RSPB hope that schools will continue to join in acitvities such as the Big Schools' Birdwatch and Wildlife Action Awards and be 'bird friendly' after the initial year is complete. The RSPB will keep in touch and keep supporting the school as a Bird Friendly School

What do you get?

  • A starter kit that includes a range of bird feeders, food and nestboxes
  • Big Schools' Birdwatch pack
  • Discover birds at school booklet
  • Resources for teaching
  • Take home 'goodies' for the children
  • A Bird Friendly Schools certificate to display in school.
  • Continuing support and opportunities to be involved with RSPB activities such as Big Schools' Birdwatch and visits to RSPB nature reserves.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting new community project contact

Leila Smith
Bird Friendly Schools Project Officer

Telephone 0121 616 6853

Email bfswestmidlands@rspb.org.uk

OR

Judy Simpson
School Communications Project Manager

Telephone 01922 653842

Email simpsonj@walsall.gov.uk