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Harrogate schoolchildren recognised for protecting wildlife

Friday, 24 April 2026 08:44

Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School have received the Ruby Robin Award.

Pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School have been recognised by UK charity SongBird Survival for helping local songbirds survive the winter months.

Pupils in Years 1 and 2 at the Harrogate independent school completed the organisation’s SongBird Survival Ruby Robin Award, which encourages children to learn more about birds and take action to support them during colder weather.

Winter can be a challenging time for songbirds, with limited food supplies, frozen water sources and low temperatures.

As part of the award, pupils took part in a range of fun, hands-on activities which included making bird feeders, learning facts about local bird species and spending time outdoors spotting birds in the school’s 20-acre grounds in Birstwith.

All children in the school’s Pre-Prep Department received a Ruby Robin certificate and badge in recognition of their efforts.

Mrs Nicola Shillam, Year 1 teacher at Belmont Grosvenor School and BGS Eco Club co-ordinator, said:

“Spending time in nature is a fundamental part of our ethos at Belmont Grosvenor School, whether that is enjoying Forest School lessons in our woodland, or being involved in the thriving BGS Eco Club, which has helped our school win a coveted Eco-School ‘Green Flag’ award on numerous occasions.

“The Ruby Robin Award was a fantastic way for our pupils to learn about nature and the birds they see every day. All our children in Years 1 and 2 took part and they really enjoyed the activities, and learning more about how they can help wildlife."

Susan Morgan, Chief Executive of SongBird Survival, said:

“Congratulations to everyone at Belmont Grosvenor School for completing our Ruby Robin Award. By taking part, the children have connected with nature and are helping to protect our songbirds for the future.”

Belmont Grosvenor School, along with its Magic Tree Nursery, welcomes children from three months to 11 years, and is based at Swarcliffe Hall, Birstwith, near Harrogate.

Every day at BGS is an Open Day. If you would like to arrange a visit, get in touch via the website at: www.belmontgrosvenor.co.uk

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