Squirrel Feeder

Squirrel Feeder

Encourage wildlife into your school grounds and observe squirrels as they teach themselves how to access the peanuts in the feeder.

• Heavy duty, made from naturally durable timber, with a corrosion-resistant hinge to ensure longevity.

• Help the squirrels learn how the feeder works, by initially propping open the lid with a stick. They will quickly learn that they have to lift the lid themselves, in order to successfully access the peanuts visible behind the Perspex screen.

• Species likely to use the feeder include red squirrels, grey squirrels and pine martins. Locate the feeder away from any bird feeding areas and top up with peanuts regularly.

• Encouraging squirrels into the school garden poses minimal risks to children and enables them to observe and respect the squirrels natural behaviours from a distance.

• It provides pupils with the opportunity to develop their observation skills as well as an appreciation for the natural world.

• Activity ideas could involve the children observing and documenting the squirrels behaviour, such as feeding habits and interaction with other squirrels, bird and animals. Squirrel activity could be tracked through the year, exploring how factors like weather, temperature and changing seasons influence their behaviour.