A north Suffolk school has installed bird boxes to improve wildlife habitats and teach students about nature.

St Felix School in Reydon, near Southwold, was awarded a grant from the Connect Conservation Fund -to mark the 40th anniversary of the creation of Suffolk Coast and Heaths as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Derek Bryanton, head of biology at the independent school, used their cut of the money to buy bat and bird boxes, one of which is connected to a television monitor for students to watch.

'I have been a volunteer for RSPB for several years and I was able to get a discount on bird boxes, food and equipment at the RSPB Nature Reserve in Minsmere,' said Mr Bryanton, who also bought boxes from Sold, the Lowestoft charity where young people and adults with sensory and physical disabilities make items for sale.

'The aim is to increase the bio-diversity of the birds in the school area,' added Mr Bryanton.

'The nest boxes have been inspected already, with two possible residencies, and it's generated a lot of interest from the pupils.'

The next aim is to create a nature trail for pupils to learn about recording observations in science. The remaining funds will be used to buy bird food to continue to enhance birds' habitats.