RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is flying high at Cedrus House

Home news

Feb 09, 2017

Cedrus House had its binoculars at the ready as it took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Residents from Cedrus House, had a busy weekend observing the many feathered friends visiting the garden as they took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey between Saturday 28^th and Monday 30^th January.

The team also invited Claire Boothby from the British Trust of Ornithology to join them for the event, who held a lively, interactive presentation in the care home’s cinema, covering bird identification and how the residents can attract birds to the garden at Cedrus House.

Home manager, Michelle Webster, explained why Cedrus House is one of several Care UK care homes that took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch: “The birdwatch weekend is always popular with our residents, so we were delighted that Claire was able to join us to make this year’s event even more special. All the residents enjoyed spending time spotting the various garden visitors over the weekend, and learning more about the nature on our doorstep.”

“Spending time outdoors is important for physical and mental wellbeing, and has many benefits for older people, particularly for those who are living with dementia. The sounds of bird song and the appearance of different species can help bring memories to the surface and act as a valuable reminiscence activity.”

To prepare the home for the event, residents also took part in making fat balls to provide the birds with vital nourishment over the winter months. The recipe for this can be found here: www.careuk.com/birdwatch.

Family carers can get advice and support on how to incorporate practical activities such as bird watching into their daily routines by downloading a copy of Care UK’s Good to go guide to help older people enjoy the outdoors.