Mark Shepherd from Lea Primary School in Derbyshire shares his experience of Big Schools' Bird Watch
Last month, I decided to sign my school up for the RSPB Big Schools' Bird Watch, and I can honestly say it was one of the most rewarding activities we have ever taken part in. What started as a simple birdwatching exercise quickly turned into an unforgettable learning experience, bringing our lessons to life and allowing my students to connect with nature in a truly special way.
I've been teaching for five years, and in that time, I've come to appreciate just how special this profession is. For me, teaching is an opportunity to pass on my passions and see the world through the eyes of my students. Every day is different, filled with new challenges and moments of discovery, and I take immense pride in what I help my students achieve. I work in a small village school in Derbyshire with around 120 children, and one of the things I love most about my role is how much learning we do outside. As a Forest School leader, I’m passionate about nature and getting outdoors, so we use our school grounds as much as possible for all sorts of lessons. Whether it's science, maths, or even storytelling under the trees, I’ve seen first-hand how outdoor learning sparks curiosity and brings subjects to life in a way that the classroom alone cannot. I always look for ways to make learning more engaging, and this activity was perfect. It was easy to set up, required minimal resources, and yet had a huge impact. My students were immediately drawn into the experience, working together to carefully record their observations. They developed essential skills in teamwork, patience, and responsibility, all while enjoying their time outdoors. Best of all, it was completely free, and the RSPB provided excellent resources to help guide us through the process.
The data collected by pupils helps scientists track bird populations and spot trends in conservation. I loved knowing that our small efforts were contributing to a national project, and my students took great pride in knowing they were helping real scientists with their research. The cross-curricular links were invaluable. In science, my students learned about habitats, food chains, and how different species adapt to their environment. In maths, they collected and analysed data, using bar charts and graphs to present their findings. Geography lessons were enriched as we explored our local environment, and computing skills were enhanced as they used digital tools to interpret and share their results. It was inspiring to see them so engaged, making connections across subjects in a way that felt natural and exciting.
For my KS2 class, the experience also offered a brilliant opportunity to develop real-world data handling skills. They gathered and organised their birdwatching results, comparing their findings with historical RSPB data. The Archives IT PowerPoint and resources were fantastic for reinforcing key computing and mathematics objectives, helping my students visualise and interpret data in meaningful ways. Seeing their confidence grow as they worked with data was a highlight for me as a teacher.
Beyond the academic benefits, I was amazed by the positive impact that spending time outdoors had on my students' well-being. In a world so dominated by screens, it was refreshing to see them completely engaged with the natural world. Even those who usually struggle to focus in the classroom showed remarkable patience and curiosity, waiting quietly for the next bird to appear. It was a reminder of how important it is to give children opportunities to learn outside and experience nature first-hand.
One of the most rewarding aspects was watching my students develop a genuine connection with wildlife. Research shows that children who interact with nature regularly are more likely to grow into environmentally responsible adults, and this activity certainly sparked something in them. Many of them were so inspired that they continued birdwatching at home, sharing their enthusiasm with family members and coming back to school eager to report what they had seen.
The true impact of this experience is best expressed in my students’ own words. One of them said, "I never knew there were so many different birds near our school! Now I want to learn more about them." Another shared, "It was so exciting waiting to see what birds would come next. I loved using the binoculars!" Perhaps the most touching response was from a student who said, "I felt like a real scientist collecting data. It made me want to do more things to help nature." Their words perfectly capture the joy and inspiration that this activity brought to our classroom.
One unexpected but incredible outcome was that our class was invited to be interviewed live on BBC Breakfast. Just by signing up for the event, we were given a platform to share our experience with the whole country. Seeing my students speak passionately about what they had learned was an unforgettable moment, and they were so proud to represent their school and be part of something so special.
Looking back on the entire experience, I can’t recommend the RSPB Big Schools' Bird Watch enough. It’s a fantastic way to inspire a love for wildlife, encourage outdoor learning, and support conservation efforts, all while covering key areas of the curriculum. If you’re a teacher looking for a simple, engaging, and impactful activity, this is one that your students will remember for years to come.