SCHOOLCHILDREN across Worcestershire are digging out their binoculars to take part in a special birdwatching event.

Pupils will be setting up bird feeders, turning classrooms into bird hides and getting into position for the RSPB'S Big School's Birdwatch.

Running from now until Friday, February 1, the survey encourages children and their teachers to look for and count the birds that share their school grounds.

One of the many schools in Worcestershire taking part will be Cranham Primary School in Tetbury Drive, Warndon, which has been birdwatching for the charity for the past three years.

Reception class teacher Jacqui Maycock said: "Here at Cranham, our reception children have been carrying out their own birdwatch for 10 years or more, but three years ago we started to do the RSPB school watch and this year we have 60 reception children taking part.

"We split into four teams and using the birdchart, the children and adults involved will be spending the time watching on Monday and then collate our findings."

Mrs Maycock added: "Our school does not have many trees in our Key Stage 1 area and so by feeding the birds throughout the year we are trying to encourage them to visit us. The children really enjoy doing the birdwatch and some continue in classes further up the school."

Last year, more than 30,000 schoolchildren took part throughout Worcestershire, revealing the starling as the most common bird in school grounds. Forty different species were recorded, ranging from the common blackbird to the more unusual bullfinch.

The Big Schools' Birdwatch is simple to set up and fun for children to take part in, with lots of learning activities linked to it.

For further detaila, visit www.

rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch or ring 0870 055 5761 for a free teachers' pack. The hotline number will run until Wednesday, January 30.