THE RSPB is hoping to inspire the next generation of nature conservationists with its Big Schools’ Birdwatch.

The project, which will run from January 21 to February 1, is the UK’s biggest annual wildlife survey and helps wildlife experts to build up a picture of birds visiting school grounds.

Emma Reed, the RSPB’s edu-cation officer in Northern Eng-land, said: “A growing wealth of evidence suggests that many children have little or no contact with the natural world.

“This is bad news for wildlife because it means that future generations are less likely to care about the threats facing the environment.

“The Big Schools’ Birdwatch introduces children to their local wildlife and encourages them to care about the natural world.

“The survey is easy and fun so it can be the first step towards a lifelong love of wildlife.”

In 2012, the most common bird in Lancashire schools was the carrion crow, with an average of 4.9 of them spotted per school.

No birdwatching expertise is necessary for teachers, helpers or youngsters and the RSPB has produced a free schools’ pack containing everything teachers will need to get started. The Big Schools’ Birdwatch pack and the Little Schools’ Birdwatch pack, both produced by the RSPB contain all the resources and information to plan a birdwatch.

For further details and activity pack, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch or call 0300 456 8340.