EAGLE-EYED schoolchildren in East Lancashire are being encouraged to take part in the world’s biggest schools’ wildlife survey after it launched this week.

Hundreds of pupils from across the county are expected to take part, and blackbirds, house sparrows and robins are at the top of the checklist of birds to find.

Last year more than 800 children and teachers in Lancashire took part in the RSPB Big Schools Birdwatch which first launched in 2002.

Emma Reed, RSPB education, families and youth manager in Northern England, said: “Taking part in Big Schools Birdwatch uses just one lesson or lunchtime so it’s really fun and simple to set up, and it works for all ages.

“We hope that taking part will inspire schoolchildren in Lancashire about the wildlife they share their space with.

“The birdwatch is the perfect chance for children to experience nature first hand, make exciting discoveries.

“The results help provide our scientists with valuable information, so the children are helping to make a real difference for wildlife.”

Schools have until Friday, February 23, to try and spot different species of birds in their playgrounds.

More than 70 different species were spotted last time.

“The most popular was the blackbird, which was seen by 89.7 per cent of schoolchildren in Lancashire.

The rarest bird was the wren which was seen by just 6.9 per cent of schools in the area.

Woodpigeons, blue tits and robins also all featured prominently in the results.

To take part in the wildlife adventure, visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.