YOUNG people across Sedgemoor are being encouraged to take part in the world’s biggest school wildlife survey.

The RSPB’s Big School Birdwatch needs children and teachers to count the birds in their school grounds for hour of one day.

Each school’s findings will help the society to build a picture of bird populations and monitor any changes.

Last year over 70,000 pupils and teachers in the UK took part in the scheme, which revealed the blackbird as the most commonly seen bird in school grounds, with 85% of schools seeing an average of five.

Now the RSPB looks forward to receiving this year’s school wildlife sightings, which also contribute to the results of the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch – the biggest wildlife survey in the world, on January 24 and 25 – for details visit rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch or for more information on the Big Garden Birdwatch visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch o THE Mercury would like to hear from any schools participating in this year’s Big School Birdwatch. Contact us at newsdesk@-bridgwatermercury.co.uk