Kids out of school get the bird’ in Lee Valley sanctuary

CHILDREN have been swapping their classroom for the great outdoors’ to study wildlife at an East London nature reserve. The youngsters took part in a Waterbirds’ study morning on the banks of the River Lea at Leyton Marshes

CHILDREN have been swapping their classroom for 'the great outdoors' to study wildlife at an East London nature reserve.

The youngsters from Plaistow's Eleanor Smith Primary took part in a 'Waterbirds' study morning on the banks of the River Lea at the WaterWorks reserve at Leyton Marshes.

The 'special needs' pupils visited the former filter beds now used as a wildlife sanctuary and observed species from a bird hide with binoculars and a telescope (pictured).

Regular studies are held by Lee Valley Regional Park schools service supporting National Curriculum in geography and science.

Lee Valley schools tutor Simon Hunt said: "The studies are great to get young kids involved visually with the environment and encourage them to learn more about the world around them."

The nature sanctuary used to be water purification beds. It is now East London's biggest wildlife haven with one of the largest bird hides in London and 500 species of plants, animals, butterflies and dragonflies.