SCHOOLCHILDREN across Cumbria have been filling up bird feeders, turning classrooms into bird hides and creating wildlife friendly bakes in preparation for watching and counting the birds in their school grounds for the 2019 RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

The annual event – which began on Wednesday and runs until February 22 - is a chance for children to put down their books and discover the nature that lives in their local community. The Birdwatch involves children spending an hour watching and counting the birds that visit their outdoor space, before sending the results to the RSPB.

A survey of 200 teachers around the UK revealed 96 per cent of them believed it was important for children to experience nature at school.

Close to a million school children have taken part in the Birdwatch since its launch in 2002.

Last year, around 60,000 children and teachers were involved, including more than 780 in Cumbria.

The blackbird was the most common playground visitor in the county with 85 per cent of Cumbria schools spotting one during their watch. Robins, house sparrows and woodpigeons all featured prominently in the results, and with over 70 difference species recorded.