Manx BirdLife is continuing to educate youngsters about the natural world.

Since 2016, the charity has been visiting schools and community groups around the island.

Through story-telling, arts and crafts, indoor games as well as outdoor birdwatching trips, the Manx BirdLife experts have been raising awareness of the island’s wild birds.

Over the last 18 months, 72 visits and trips have been organised for primary school classes and community groups.

Nearly 2,000 children have participated, learning about the lives of birds and the increasing need to protect them and the places where they live.

Sorcha Cowin, reception class teacher at Braddan Primary School, said: ’We have learned so much from the Manx BirdLife activities and they have really inspired our learning.

feeding

’We are feeding the birds every day and watching them.

’The children are looking at the book to identify them and we have the wonderful feeding station provided by Manx BirdLife too.

’It’s been hilarious watching some of the larger birds stealing the fat balls.’

Pupils have learned how to identify many of the species that can be seen around the island.

More than 300 species of wild bird have now been recorded in the Isle of Man.

The programme has provided insights to biology, behaviour and evolution - and revealed some of the feats of physical endurance that bring many species of birds to the island each year.

Manx BirdLife’s education programme reinforces the six Rs of the Isle of Man’s essentials for learning (E4L) strategy: readiness, relationships (which are positive), resourcefulness, resilience, remembering skills, reflectiveness.

The charity believes that learning about wild birds and thinking about the challenges they face in the modern world helps young people to develop their personal skills and outlook.

For teachers, the programme supports their need to teach core curriculum subjects such as science.

A Manx BirdLife spokesman said: ’Above all else, the programme is designed to encourage young people to stay connected with the natural world.

appreciation

’Discovering more about the world around them gives young people an appreciation of how they can help to safeguard the future diversity and abundance of wild birds that we are still so privileged to enjoy on the Isle of Man.’

Manx BirdLife says it is grateful for the support of the Scheinberg family, without which the programme would not be possible.

Thanks to the family, the programme will run for a further three years, from 2018 to 2020.

To discuss how the programme could assist schools, classes or groups, call Manx BirdLife’s education officer, Michelle Storton on 861130.

Alternatively you can email her at [email protected]