Hedgehogs, beetles and birds on curriculum at Norwich schools

RSPB wildlife lessons at George White Junior School. Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

But, as 1,000 children have discovered, Norfolk's schools also serve as a cosy home for creatures such as beetles, birds, hedgehogs and frogs.

Officers from the RSPB have been teaching youngsters about the wildlife that shares their playground, and thanks to funding from the Aldi supermarket chain it has now been able to reach 1,000 children.

The wildlife lesson at which the milestone was reached took place in the grounds of George White Junior School in Norwich yesterday.

Clare Whitelegg, the RSPB's school outreach co-ordinator, began the programme last year.

RSPB wildlife lessons at George White Junior School. Pupil Alfred Potter, 8, looking for wildlife.Picture: ANTONY KELLY (Image: Archant Norfolk 2016)

She has been delivering free classes at schools in Norwich and the Broads, bringing smiles to children from Years 1 to 6.

'It's been brilliant to be able to introduce children in Norwich and across the Norfolk Broads to the nature found in their school grounds these past few months,' she said.

'The Broads is one of the most treasured natural landscapes in the UK and what better way to inspire the next generation to protect it than helping them to enjoy nature during their early years.

'We have discovered some great places for wildlife to live across a variety of school grounds during our surveys and with their new knowledge and enthusiasm, I'm sure teachers and pupils will create many more.'

She will continue to deliver free wildlife activities to thousands more school pupils throughout the next three years, as Aldi continues to donate all profits from the carrier bag charge to the RSPB.

If you teach children in the Norwich and Broads area, and would like to book a RSPB trained educator to help you get your pupils inspired about wildlife, see www.rspb.org.uk/schoolsoutreach or call Clare Whitelegg on 01603 660066.