Engaging pupils with wildlife and the environment offers profound benefits for their education and wellbeing. The annual Big Schools’ Birdwatch, led by the RSPB, offers pupils the fantastic opportunity to get outside and strengthen their connection with nature through hands-on learning. Whether you’re already one of the thousands of schools who get involved each year or you’re looking to start participating in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch this year, let us tell you about how a log cabin bird hide or nature watch hut can take the experience to the next level for your pupils.
The Big Schools’ Birdwatch is an annual event in connection to the RSPB’s citizen science survey ‘Big Garden Birdwatch’. The initiative invites schools to observe, record and learn about the various bird species which they see on their school grounds, while contributing valuable data to the RSPB’s national conservation efforts. For 2025, it will run from 7th January - 24th February nationwide. Not only does birdwatching provide pupils with the essential opportunity to get outside and connect with their local wildlife, it provides plenty of cross-curricular opportunities, such as science, geography and maths links!
Why Participate in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch?
Provide opportunities to connect with wildlife
Some children might not have access to gardens at home, or for a number of other reasons may otherwise have limited opportunities to connect with wildlife and nature. When children are normally out playing in the playground or on the fields, they are probably playing games or engaged in other activities and missing the joys that wildlife can bring. Participating in the Big Schools' Birdwatch gives pupils the important opportunity to get outside and enjoy the natural world, to stop and appreciate bird species and other animals that they may not otherwise notice or have the chance to see. This helps children to build and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the world around them.
Hands-on learning and mental stimulation
Observing birds in their natural habitat through hands-on learning offers an engaging way to teach children about topics such as habitats, food chains, biodiversity and wildlife conservation. Plus, birds and other animals are a source of fascination for children. Birdwatching and nature watching can do wonders for their mental stimulation. Students might ask questions about bird behaviour, migration, or habitats, which can lead to deeper explorations of science and geography topics both in and beyond the classroom.
Citizen science and environmental stewardship
Inform your pupils that the results they record will contribute to important RSPB national data collection, empowering them as young environmentalists and creating a sense of responsibility toward their local wildlife. Along with this, we recommend giving children the chance to leave out bird feed or foods for the local birds and creatures. This can be continued year round and will strengthen pupils' empathy for living things and sense of environmental responsibility too.
Cross-curricular opportunities
The Big Schools' Birdwatch and nature watching on school grounds in general really creates a multitude of cross-curricular opportunities for pupils. To implement science, you can teach the children about eco systems, life cycles, food chains, the list goes on! As for maths, children will analyse their bird count data which can involve graphs and charts. Why not blend the birdwatch with creative subject areas too? Give your pupils the chance to sketch their surroundings and the various birds they spot or colour in images of birds, or encourage them to write creative stories or factual reports about wildlife.
Creating the Perfect Space for Birdwatching
To make the most of the Birdwatch and similar outdoor learning activities, schools need suitable spaces for observation. While many schools use playgrounds or nearby fields, creating a dedicated outdoor learning log cabin with a nature observation window elevates the experience.
A bird hide is a fantastic way to engage pupils with the natural world, especially if your school already has green spaces or a designated forest school area. A nature observation cabin or bird hide creates a quiet, sheltered space where students can observe wildlife like birds, squirrels, and rabbits without disturbing them. It’s an opportunity for students to connect with nature in a hands-on, meaningful way.
Why Choose a Log Cabin with a Nature Watch Window?
A log cabin bird hide or log cabin nature watch hut provides a safe, dedicated space for nature observation as well as versatile outdoor learning and outdoor play space. A nature watch hut or bird hide offers students a quiet and sheltered environment to observe birds and other wildlife without causing disturbance. Unlike playgrounds or open fields, a log cabin provides comfortable shelter and accessibility year-round, rain or shine.
Our log cabins create a central base for a plethora of outdoor activities. Their circular shape are perfect for encouraging active listening and communication and are therefore great for team activities and group work. If you opt for a cabin with a storage extension, you can store books, learning materials, binoculars, bird identification charts and more for convenient access.
What's more? Our log cabins are made from Scandinavian redwood which is both a highly-durable and sustainable material. Therefore, a Cabins for Schools nature watch hut will reflect and promote your school's commitment to the environment!
By participating in the Big Schools' Birdwatch and investing in a dedicated space like a nature watch log cabin, schools can make wildlife education a regular part of the curriculum. The hands-on learning and long-term benefits extend far beyond the event itself, nurturing students’ understanding of and respect for the natural world.
With a nature watch hut, you can give your pupils a space for outdoor learning and outdoor play, to enjoy all year round. At Cabins for Schools, we've helped schools across the country to create extra space and bring the wonders of nature to their students. If you'd like to discuss how we can transform your outdoor area, get in touch today.