Dame Tipping Primary School in Havering-atte-Bower, London, has ordered pupils to stay indoors after a buzzard, named Brenda, began dive-bombing residents. Buzzards are a protected species in the UK, leading the school to keep students safe until the bird leaves. Experts suggest Brenda may defend her nest, perceiving children as threats. The council provided guidelines to manage the situation and recommended hiring a falconry expert. The headteacher turned the incident into a learning opportunity, prompting students to engage in various creative projects centered around the bird.
According to the RSPB, buzzards are the most common and widespread bird of prey in the UK and often feed on carrion.
Havering Council has said its health and safety team has issued "detailed advice to the academy trust responsible for the school, including the use of legal deterrents and other controls."
Headteacher Stella McCarthy said it was quite an unusual situation for the school to find itself in, and they embraced it as a learning experience.
The children named the bird Brenda and put out posters for protecting her while engaging in various educational activities.
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