Instow pupils do their bit for songbirds this winter

Instow Primary and Pre-school saves songbirds this winter, as national poll finds a quarter of children cannot identify a robin

Instow Primary and Preschool are taking part in the SongBird Survival charity’s Ruby Robin Award to help our feathered friends this winter.

Polling by charity ahead of its annual awareness day, National Robin Day next Thursday (December 21), found a quarter of children could not correctly identify a robin.

So children from Instow Primary and Preschool are among those helping North Devon’s beautiful songbirds to get through the tough winter months by taking part in a charity challenge.

They are joining more than 13,000 children across the UK working to gain a Ruby Robin Award, by learning more about birds and taking action to help them over the winter.​

The pupils have been taking part in fun challenges to gain a special certificate and Ruby Robin badge. Challenges include making DIY feeders for their gardens, learning fun facts about birds and spending time outdoors spotting birds.  

The Ruby Robin Award was set up by SongBird Survival to inspire the next generation to help protect declining songbird numbers.

More than half of UK songbirds are threatened or already in decline. During the colder months, songbirds face issues with limited food supplies, scarce water sources and freezing temperatures.

Sue Morgan, chief executive of SongBird Survival said: “It is fantastic to have Instow Primary and Preschool take part in our Ruby Robin Award to support their children learn more about birds and how to help them this winter. 

“Our recent polling showed that eight in 10 children want to learn more about birds and do more to help our beautiful wildlife. Yet sadly, a quarter of children could not correctly identify a photo of a robin. We owe it to children today to help them connect with nature and protect our beautiful songbirds for future generations.”

Lucy Mardling, Instow headteacher said: “We really value our amazing local area and this has been an inspirational learning opportunity for the Year 3 children. The children have been able to share their knowledge and artistic creations with friends and families.”

SongBird Survival uses National Robin Day every December 21 to celebrate a love of songbirds and encourage us all to take small actions at home to help.

Find out more at https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/