A HAVEN for wildlife has been established slap bang in the middle of Radcliffe High School!

And now the quiet quadrangle is home for a family of ducks, not to mention the relatively rare Greater Spotted Woodpecker.

It is all down to the efforts of caretakers Janice Fenn and Helen Taylor.

They decided the site would make a perfect "oasis" and quickly set about making it bird-friendly.

"It began about three years ago when a family of ducks nested in the quad and used what was the old science pond to swim in," explained school spokesman Carol Cain.

"Since then Janice and Helen have turned it into a mini nature reserve attracting Blue Tits, Great Tits and Wagtails as well as the woodpecker and the ducks and their nine ducklings."

A duck is pictured taking a dip with three ducklings at the high school haven.

The location of the reserve makes it a perfect place for pupils to observe nature. It's bordered by windows on all sides so the birds can live happily in a quiet and safe area, while at the same time the children can study them," said Mrs Cain.

"The ornithology club are particularly grateful to Janice and Helen who even collect money from the staff to buy food for the ducks.

"They really have done a good job and the RSPB has inspected the reserve and given it their seal of approval."