Birdwatch is back in South Yorkshire for 2019'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹

The world's biggest schools' wildlife survey will see children watching and counting the birds in their school grounds during the first half of the spring term, from January 2 to February 22.

The birdwatch is a chance for children to put down their books and discover the nature that lives in their community. It involves children spending an hour counting the birds that visit their outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.

A recent survey of 200 teachers and 1200 school children from around the UK revealed that 96 per cent of teachers believed it was important for children to experience nature at school, while three quarters of pupils agreed. With close to a million school children taking part since its launch in 2002, the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch is the perfect opportunity for schools to get outside, learn and make their first discoveries in nature.

Last year, 60,000 children and teachers took part including over 420 schools in South Yorkshire, counting more than 100,000 birds. The magpie was the most common playground visitor in the county with over 90 per cent of South Yorkshire schools spotting one during their watch.

Visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch for details.