CHILDREN at rural schools in the North York Moors will be taking up Harry Spotter's Birdwatch Challenge as they embark on an unusual request.

More than 350 primary school pupils will be spending 15 minutes each day gazing out of the window and paying no attention to the blackboard.

Pupils at nine primary schools in the North York Moors National Park - including classes at Thornton-le-Dale - will be monitoring the birds they spot in the playground for a month as part of a wider birdwatching programme in partnership with the RSPB and the Park's education service.

Reception teacher Danielle Watts said her four and five-year-olds had really enjoyed a visit from park officers, who came to explain the project.

"The children each had hats on with weeds and bugs, corn or flowers on them, and one man dressed as a farmer.

"He was showing them what different things birds need, and the children thought it was great - they all got squirted with water pretending to be the rain." Miss Watts said the seven and eight-year-olds at the school would be diligently monitoring which birds came to feed outside their class after the half-term holiday.

"The national park has supplied us with bird feeders and books for free, which is really good."

Updated: 10:13 Monday, February 17, 2003