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Local pupils help protect Walsall’s songbirds through Ruby Robin Award

Children from Greenfield Primary School in Shelfield have been recognised by UK charity SongBird Survival for helping local songbirds survive the winter months.

By contributor Maddy Burkett
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The KS1 pupils completed SongBird Survival’s free Ruby Robin Award, which encourages children to learn more about birds and take simple, practical actions to support them during colder weather. Winter can be a challenging time for songbirds, with limited food supplies, frozen water sources and low temperatures.

Pupils showing some of their birdfeeders.
Pupils showing some of their birdfeeders.

As part of the award, the children took part in a range of fun, hands-on activities. These included:

  • Designing and creating bird feeders as part of their Design and Technology learning

  • Researching fascinating facts about local bird species and writing reports based on these in Science

  • Learning and spending time outdoors spotting birds in their local area

  • Designing wildlife friendly gardens, including wildflower areas and ponds

  • Making fat balls to hang in the school’s outdoor learning area

The sixty 5-7-year olds from the school who took part will receive a Ruby Robin certificate and badge in recognition of their efforts.

Pupils preparing to hang their birdfeeders.
Pupils preparing to hang their birdfeeders.

Susan Morgan, Chief Executive of SongBird Survival, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Greenfield Primary School for completing our Ruby Robin Award. By taking part, the children have connected with nature and are helping to protect our songbirds for the future.”

Pupils completing their Songbird surveys.
Pupils completing their Songbird surveys.

Mrs Williams, Year 2 Teacher, said: “The Ruby Robin Award was a fantastic way for our pupils to learn about nature and the birds they see every day. The children really enjoyed the activities, particularly designing and creating their own bird feeders, and are much more aware of how they can help wildlife in our community.”

Miss Stanley, Year 1 Teacher, said: “Engaging with the different challenges has really brought the children’s learning to life. It has been lovely to see their enthusiasm for protecting wildlife in our area grow, as well as the super work they have produced. Overall, it has been a fantastic project to take part in!”

About SongBird Survival

SongBird Survival is the only charity in the UK dedicated solely to halting and reversing the alarming population decline of songbirds. It does this by supporting research carried out by experts at top universities and conservation organisations in the UK into the cause of the decline, and the solutions. More information is available at songbird-survival.org.uk

SongBird Survival also shares practical, budget-friendly advice for families on how to help songbirds at home.