Children from Chilton Primary in Ramsgate had eyes on the skies, trees, hedgerows and gardens as they took part in the 2026 Big Schools' Birdwatch.

It marked the first time the school had joined in the nationwide event and it was a big favourite with pupils, families and staff.

Every child spent time outside to spot and identify birds in the school grounds. We loved seeing such enthusiasm and they proved themselves to be great young scientists.

Chilton’s Science Lead Carol Isaac made bird identification charts for children to use who scanned their surroundings eagerly for feathered visitors, using the naked eye and getting close up images by using binoculars.

As part of their commitment to supporting wildlife and understanding nature, children also created bird feeders to put up around school.

They were also encouraged to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch as part of their home learning.

Miss Isaac said: “All our bird spotting will help the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds have a snapshot of the bird population to help their invaluable work.

“The children were really engaged with the project, noting down the different species they discovered and logging the time, location and date.

“A huge well done goes to all our young participants and also to everyone who took part in the project at home.”

The results are submitted to the RSPB who then put together the top birds of the year.

Find out more about the birdwatch initiative and the work of the RSPB online at www.rspb.org.uk.

Chilton Primary is part of the Viking Academy trust with partner schools Ramsgate Arts Primary and Upton Junior.