A wildlife education scheme got underway at a Suffolk school as pupils combined the study and conservation of bird species.

The ‘Go Wild’ project began with an ornithological theme at Farlingaye High School, in Woodbridge.

Funded through a Royal Society Partnership Grant, the project is being run with the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), and started with bird-ringing on the school grounds.

In collaboration with Dr Kathryn Ross, a professional ecologist from the Thetford-based BTO, pupils will be continuing to study population sizes of birds, mammals and moths.

The opening activity saw them hoping to catch, ring and release birds such as blue tits, great tits, robins and goldcrests.

Dr Tim Harrison, science teacher at Farlingaye, said: “The students were really excited about seeing these amazing animals up-close.

“It’s not until you see a bird in the hand that you can truly appreciate its exquisite detail – from the colour of its eyes to the textures of its feathers.

“By ringing birds, these engaging experiences also help to conserve the species being studied.”

The bird-ringing was part of day-long activities in which pupils studied with Dr Ross.

Representatives from the Royal Society were also in attendance to experience the project first-hand the project.

Dr Harrison added: “Lots of birds have started to use the school’s new bird feeding station, which is full of tasty treats like sunflower hearts, fat-balls and windfall fruit.

“Our winter fieldwork will focus on bird-ringing, while in the spring our attention will shift to estimating population sizes of mammals and moths.”