A GLIMPSE into the secret life of birds is being gained through to a Dorcan school’s innovative nature project,

Science-loving students at Dorcan Academy rigged up a webcam to a handcrafted bird box and feeder and captured two blue tits making a cosy feather home for themselves.

Videos showing the usually reclusive birds eating, nest building, sleeping and relaxing in the box have been uploaded to the school’s Facebook page, with hopes to turn it into a live stream on the internet.

Students donated a plaque to Kingfisher Drive business Patheon who donated the webcam.

The arrival of the blue tit couple is the latest success in the school’s Nature Project after-school club, led by science teacher Sophie Lowe. Together the 12-strong group have built bee houses, bug habitats, bird boxes and started work on improving the school pond, in a bid to help wildlife thrive in the town.

Edmund Dadge, 14, from Liden said he enjoyed learning more about science through the diverse activities.

“I think it’s such a great way to get out and about. It’s really rewarding and you feel a real sense of accomplishment when you see your work has attracted all these different species and that they are flourishing in something you have built, it makes you proud. I think it’s really important to respect your local green areas especially as more and more space is being taken over by buildings.

“Science is my favourite subject because I find it really interesting to learn more about biodiversity and the world around us. Doing projects like this really helps bring the world around us to life.

Sophie said since the project’s launch last summer, the students understanding of the environment had flourished.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that you need to get out there and learn about the natural world around you.

“The students have worked with real substance, they worked to learn more about the world they live in, and maintaining and improving the environments around the school grounds. They are cleaning up the pond so more diverse species will find a home there. They are also building places for wildlife to live and I am really proud of all of them.”