Project Description

This innovative project has established garden birds viewing facilities at 3 primary schools.

At the core of the project are nest boxes with cameras concealed within the roof (“nestcams”). Each nestcam has a wireless connection to a computer viewing station within the school, where a software program is used to digitally record any movement within the nestbox. The computer also acts as a console to view live pictures from within the nestbox.

Throughout the duration of the project one class from each of the schools has taken responsibility for feeding birds. Each day the class fills up bird feeders, puts out food on a bird table and records the different species they see in a project diary.

An important aspect of this project is to make the results accessible to everyone within the local community. A 15 minute video showing footage from the primary schools and the nestboxes has been put together telling the story of this years project. The video and a standing mobile display that offers further information about the project and about garden birds is currently touring youth groups and libraries.

To see more information about this project please visit our publications page.

Project sponsors

Scottish Natural Heritage

The Horace Gillman Trust

Schools involved

Currently Catrine, Muirkirk and New Cumnock Primary School's are involved with the project.