YOUNGSTERS are starting the New Year literally getting to know nature.

Tens of thousands of schoolchildren throughout the country, including here in Bradford, will be focusing their eyes on the skies and around their natural environment to learn about, and identify, the different birds and species within their midst when they participate in the RSPB's Big Schools' Birdwatch.

Now in its 15th year, the survey helps to track numbers of birds in school grounds giving the charity an insight into the wildlife which is doing well, or not so well, and providing schoolchildren with a great learning experience.

Running from 4 January- 12 February 2016, the survey encourages schoolchildren of all ages, and their teachers, to count the birds in their school grounds for one hour of one day.

Each school’s findings help the RSPB’s experts to build a picture of bird populations and monitor any changes, while carrying out the survey helps children to improve their observation skills.

Despite its location, close to one of the busiest corridors into Bradford city centre, St Columba's Catholic Primary School, in Tong Street, actively encourages wildlife to make its home within the school grounds and has gained a variety of feathered friends.

Since setting up The Quad three years ago, a sanctuary for studying and a place where pupils can nurture flora and fauna in this natural environment boasting raised vegetable beds, fruit trees and a wildlife pond, the school has participated in the Big Schools' Birdwatch.

Developed with the School Council, the Quad is an integral part of school life and provides the perfect platform for pupils to participate in the survey. Here they can sit with their notebooks and study, identify and learn about the variety of feathered friends popping into the garden.

Their findings will help the RSPB preserve, protect and identify birds which are in danger of decline and it is a responsible task they relish.

Linda Marshall, a teaching assistant at the school, explains they initially became involved with the scheme to encourage youngsters to take notice of the birds coming into the school garden.

"A lot of the children don't recognise what birds are in their garden and we get them to be interested, to know what birds they are seeing and talk about what things they saw last year that are different from this year. It is interesting to see year on year what we are attracting because of our efforts so children can see what they are achieving themselves. They can make a difference in terms of what we are planting and how we take care of them," says Linda, who says they have already been busy tying fat balls around the grounds to ensure the birds have some winter feed.

She explains how they previously made bird feeders out of old milk bottles - this demonstrates to youngsters the importance of recycling things too.

"We have nesting boxes in the Quad and we have regular pairs that come in. It is a continuation of the work do. It's about making a difference."

Linda says their participation in the survey is also important in helping to identify whether certain birds are in decline in certain areas.

Last year, a record breaking 90,000 pupils and teachers across the UK took part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch, which revealed the blackbird as the most commonly seen bird in school grounds, with 85% of schools seeing an average of five.

Now the RSPB is looking forward to receiving this year’s school wildlife sightings, which also contribute to the results of the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the biggest wildlife survey in the world, taking place on 30-31 January.

James Harding-Morris, RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch Co-ordinator said: “This fun and educational activity is suitable for all ages and abilities and, best of all, it takes just one lesson or lunchtime.

“Research has shown that children are increasingly disconnected from nature, which is linked to poorer physical and mental health, so this event is a great way to get young people excited about the world around them. It also provides us with valuable information on how some of our familiar birds are doing and encourages the children to help give nature a home.”

Schools can still sign up to participate in the Big Schools' Birdwatch. To register, or to participate, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch

The Big Schools’ Birdwatch and Big Garden Birdwatch are part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the problems facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. For more information on how to give nature a home, visit rspb.org.uk/homes