CBeebies programme Twirlywoos has partnered with the 2018 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch to encourage young children to engage with nature and the outdoors, providing activities specifically tailored to the early years for the first time since its launch in 2002.
Settings that register for the birdwatch, which is free to every nursery, playgroup, school, childminder and childcarer in the UK, will receive access to a range of bespoke online activities and resources.
The birdwatch will take place during the first half of the spring term (2 January – 23 February 2018). Practitioners can pick any day during this period to hold their birdwatch.
Last year, 73,000 children and teachers took part, counting a combined total of more than 100,000 birds.
As part of the 2018 birdwatch, children will be asked to spend one hour watching and recording the birds in their outdoor space, and then send their results to the RSPB.
Every early years setting that submits its results on the RSPB website will receive a personalised certificate, a wildlife poster and Twirlywoos stickers, as well as being entered into a free prize draw to win a visit from the Twirlywoos (right).
Now in its 16th year, the birdwatch has recorded more than 70 different species in school grounds, ranging from starlings and house sparrows to red kites and green woodpeckers.
Rebecca Kerfoot, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch co-ordinator said, ‘We’re really excited to be working with Twirlywoos this year. They’re all about seeking out adventures and discovering new things, so they fit in really well with the Big Schools Birdwatch. With the amount of time children are spending outside in nature in decline, activities like the Big Schools’ Birdwatch give children an opportunity to get outside, discover and learn about the wildlife they share their outdoor space with.’
Debbie Walker, Twirlywoos brand manager, added, ‘We’re delighted to be collaborating once again with the RSPB and thrilled that Twirlywoos will be able to entertain and excite the littlest of adventurers during the Big Schools’ Birdwatch. The Twirlywoos are naturally curious and inquisitive about the outside world so this activity is the perfect fit to encourage pre-schoolers to explore and connect with the world around them.’
- Practitioners can register to take part in the 2018 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch at www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch