THE Wilko store in Merrywalks has transformed children into tiny twitchers, after donating a host of wild bird products to the Rosary Primary School.

Children and teaching staff made a special trip to the Wilko store to learn more about its Wild Bird campaign and to collect the donation, which contained a selection of wild bird seed and feeders.

The donation was made by Wilko with the aim of encouraging school children to protect wildlife within their own playgrounds and gardens at home. throughout the winter months and beyond.

Wilko store manager Graham Massey said: “I think it’s really important to educate children on the importance of protecting and looking after our wildlife, in particular, the wonderful array of wild birds our country has to offer."

We chose to donate the products to Rosary Primary School as a team, and we know they will do a brilliant job in making sure our feathered friends will be well fed."

“Our Wild Bird campaign is all about getting people from across the community to start thinking more about the surrounding wildlife and what they can do to care for it. During these chillier months, it’s more important than ever to help birds get the nutritious, high-fat food they need.

“Wilko sells a full range of products to help people look after wildlife in their gardens and it was great to be able to share this with local school children too and show them how they can help.”

Mrs Williams, Reception class teacher at the Rosary School, said: “We’re so pleased team members at the Stroud Wilko store chose our school to get involved with their ‘Wild Bird’ campaign. Our pupils, Olympia and Henry, have been involved in a project looking at the number and the variety of birds that visit the grounds of the school. They have already seen magpies, crows, robins and blue tits, and we hope the feeders from Wilko will attract more birds too.

“All the children are getting in touch with their inner ‘twitcher’ and can’t wait to spot a bird or two in the playground and at home.”