What is Pollination?
‘Pollination is part of the life cycle of plants. Birds, insects and the wind takes pollen between flowers.’ James B, Harvey & Matthew
‘Pollination is a transfer of pollen.’ Harry, Tom & Robbie
‘Pollination enables fertilisation and the production of seeds.’ Grace, Zoe & Layla
What is a Pollinator?
‘A Pollinator is an animal that moves pollen from one plant to another.’ Fearne, Ebony, Jack & Rebecca
‘A Pollinator can be anything that carries pollen from one flower to another.’ Rosa, Bella & Ella-Jayne
What’s so important about Pollination?
‘Plants are fertilized and able to produce the next generation of plants including the fruits and crops we eat.’ Thomas, James D & Rhys
‘Pollination is needed to produce the next generation.’ Alex, Alfie & Joshua
Are Pollinators in Danger?
‘There is evidence that populations of bees and other pollinators are less healthy and abundant than they have been.’ Casey, Ella-Mae & Ellie
What can you do to help?
‘We can plant more flowers to attract pollinators.’ William, George & Isaac
What are the different types of Pollinators?
‘Bumblebees, Butterflies, Moths, Hoverflies, Beetles, Wasps and Other Flies’ Sarah, Summer & Alexis
Bird Watching at Carntall Primary School Recount by P6 & P7
Two weeks ago we were doing some bird watching in the playground of Carntall Primary School. We saw lots of species of birds. The entire school took part in this project to find out how many birds were in our school grounds.
Firstly, we got our clip boards, pencils, rubbers and binoculars. Primary six and seven were split into two groups. One group was at the poly tunnel and the other was at the climbing frame. We lined up and headed outside to the camouflage tents where we sat and watched the birds in silence for fifteen minutes. It was hard to stay silent because we cannot stay silent for a minuute never mind fifteen minutes. It was hard not to laugh because people were going 'Do you see the blackbirds?' and 'Do you see that wee robin up in that tree?'
After that, our teacher Miss Woods told us to be quiet. So then we actually did some research, picked up our binoculars and started looking around. We tallied up on our clipboards how many birds we saw and what species they were.
Finally we went inside to make a bar chart showing how many birds we found. We found around twenty blackbirds which were probably crows but there were too many crows to count. In total we found about thirty birds altogether in our school grounds.
In conclusion, Our Carntall Primary School Bird Watch was a great success because we found plenty of birds including robins and bluetits. We had a fun day and a good time working together as a team.
Where to put a squirrel feeder
Feeding stations should ideally be positioned in an area that offers a quick escape route around 5-6 feet up a tree. This is a great location for a feeding station but close to a high wall is another option, keeping feeders off the ground reduces the risk of cat predation.
By Abigail, Eimear, Zara.
In P6 and P7 we have been researching what squirrels eat and found out that they eat nuts, seeds, fruit, fungi, grains, vegetables, roots and bulbs. Their favourite foods are carrots, grapes and nuts. They store them in their big cheeks and eat between 40g and 80g every day.
By Henry, Ben F, James and Ben A
Location of red squirrels
Today we were researching locations of red squirrels and how to keep them safe.
We learnt that you place the feeders about 5 to 6 feet up a tree.
Squirrels live mostly high up in trees, in the fork of the branches.
To keep the cats away place orange pieces’ lime peel lemon peel.
Red squirrels are found in forests and deciduous wood and Europe, Northern Asia and china.
By Rebekah, Molly, Eliana and Anna
WHAT SQUIRRELS LIKE TO EAT
We were researching and we found out that squirrels like to eat chopped apple, carrots, spinach, green beans, bean sprouts and celery and red, grey squirrel also like to eat nuts but they particularly love acorns. They do not like food like white pepper and cayenne because it smells discouraging to squirrels.
By Samuel, Archie and Tommy
As part of our biodiversity project we are researching where to locate our hedgehog homes. When locating a hedgehog home put it where it will not be disturbed for example against a wall or a fence. Put the entrance away from north or north-east as you are more likely to attract a hedgehog. If you do so you can avoid the cold winter winds. If you can, put the hedgehog home in or near a damp untidy area, so that hedgehogs are protected when they come out to forage.
By: Zoe, Nia, Arianna and Sarah.
Hedgehog Hibernation
Hedgehogs usually hibernate from October/November through to March/April. Hedgehogs would starve to death if they didn’t hibernate without enough food. Hedgehogs tend to live in the outskirts of wooded areas.
BY Sam, William, Isaac & Elliott
What do hedgehogs eat
1.Beetles.
2.Earwigs.
3.Caterpillars.
4.Earthworms.
5.Millipedes.
6.Fly larvae.
What hedgehogs can’t eat
Hedgehogs cannot eat grapes and raisins as they are toxic to them. If your hedgie digests grapes by accident, seek immediate veterinary assistance.
Can hedgehogs eat nuts
Hedgehogs are often first seen in gardens eating spilled bird food under feeders. They will be eating the seeds as well as all the insects and invertebrates that gather there. Small quantities of seeds and nuts are not harmful to hedgehogs but can cause issues if eaten in excess.
By Abraham, Joshua, Dylan & Hugo
Hedgehog Facts
Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs and bellies. These cute critters depend on their spines for defense, both while they sleep and when they face enemies. ... When they are born (there can be up to seven in a litter) their spines are soft and short.
Hedgehogs are solitary creatures that are big sleepers and can sleep up to 18 hours per day, according to Animal Planet. They are also nocturnal, which means they sleep during the day. This can make them poor pet choices for someone that wants and active pet during daytime hours’ hedgehogs search at night.
By Isabella & Angie.
