Children from primary schools in Fakenham and Stibbard have been shown how they can do their bit to help Norfolk birdlife by wardens from a nature reserve.

Children from primary schools in Fakenham and Stibbard have been shown how they can do their bit to help Norfolk birdlife by wardens from a nature reserve.

Staff at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve presented five nest boxes to staff and students from Fakenham Junior School and All Saints Primary School, Stibbard at Pensthorpe.

It marks the start of National Nest Box Week, which begins on Thursday February 14 - traditionally the date when birds begin pairing up in readiness for the breeding season.

Nest boxes have also been sent to West Raynham Primary School, Colkirk Primary School and Little Snoring Primary School.

Deb Jordan, manager Pensthorpe Nature Reserve said: "The schools were given their nest boxes in advance of National Nest Box Week, so that they could get them in place before half term.

“National Nest Box Week is an ideal way for us to support native birds and help children learn about local wildlife.

“The boxes will provide vital nesting sites for birds like the rapidly declining house sparrow, along with blue tits, coal tits and great tits."

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve is open 10am to 5pm April to December and 10am to 4pm January to March.

Contact 01328 851465 or go to www.pensthorpe.com.

For more information about National Nest Box Week go to www.bto.org/nnbw.