A GROUP of school children have this week taken part in a national project.

St Cuthbert’s early years foundation stage children joined the RSPB’s Big Schools Bird Watch on Monday as part of their module on winter.

The Catholic school on East End, Wigton, observed the birds outside in their natural habitat and recorded their findings ready to be sent off to the RSPB.

In the lead up to the day children were taught about birds, their habitats, foods they eat as well as drawing pictures and paintings.

EYFS teacher, Colette Dunne, said: “There was mixed feelings. Some children were really enthused by the birds but others found it hard to be really quiet and very still.

“They were all surprised at how many birds visited and reflected on it afterwards and the following day.”

Children at the school observed many birds including robins, blue tits, sparrows and a finch among other things.

Every year, educators from the UK take part in RSPB’s Big Schools Big Watch, turning their classes into conservation scientists and helping track the ups and downs of birds across the country.