A SPECIAL school is hoping a new project will attract birds to its ground by providing food and shelter.

The Townhouse Bird Project, organised by Townhouse School, in Nelson, is a study of birds compared to those at nearby Wycoller as well as trying to attract them in an attempt to boost bird populations.

Deputy headteacher John Owen, said the project, part funded by the school and by Pendle Council, would benefit the pupils as well as the birds.

He said: "Being a special school for children with severe learning difficulties we feel that it is important for our students to interact with the local community and the local environment as much as possible. Or bird project will teach new skills such as using binoculars and telescopes as well as encouraging rarer birds such as the tree creeper and lesser spotted woodpecker and record the sightings."

The school, on Townhouse Lane, Nelson, has entered the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's Grimewatch competition.