Big Schools' Birdwatch 2009

We are delighted to announce that Big Schools' Birdwatch 2009 will take place between 19-30 January 2009.

Put the date in your diary and join us in this simple, fun and engaging birdwatching activity, which helps us monitor and record bird numbers throughout the UK.

Any school can take part, regardless of size and location, either counting the birds within your own school grounds or by visiting a local park to do the count.

Any school that submitted 2008 results will automatically receive our fantastic 2009 teachers' pack - full of information, further ideas and suggestions about the activity, plus great birdwatching resources.

If you did not take part last year but would like to join us in 2009, information about requesting a free teachers' pack will be available from autumn 2008.

More reasons to join us in 2009

Every year we get feedback from teachers to tell us how much they and their classes enjoyed the activity, and how it was incorporated within the curriculum, leading to some fantastic learning opportunities:

'This is the first bird watch that our school has done and the class involved really enjoyed it. This will become an annual event at our school. It is also helping towards our green flag status.'
Classteacher, Kingswinford

'We found the resources for the foundation stage children really good and we have used them as part of our topic the weather and birds. The children have been feeding the birds and learning to identify and count them. Thank you for a valuable resource.'
Foundation Stage Teacher, Ramsgate

Until next year...

If your school enjoyed the Big Schools' Birdwatch, and is keen to participate in more cross-curricular environmental activities, then look no further.

With the help of fun surveys and both indoor and outdoor activity sheets, Wildsquare is a fantastic way to get to know your school grounds - or indeed anywhere special to you.

We also run school visits to reserves, offering programmes suitable for all ages, and with activities linked to the National Curriculum. Reserve visits encourage curiosity and the process of discovery among all pupils. All sites and activities are fully risk assessed, and staff are fully trained.