Residents at a Weymouth care home flock together for national birdwatch

Residents at a care home in Weymouth had their binoculars at the ready when they took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. 

Everyone at Care UK’s Anning House, on Cross Road, had a busy weekend observing the many feathered friends visiting their garden when they took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.  

Every year, over half a million people nationwide take part by counting the birds, as well as other garden species such as badgers and hedgehogs, that they spot in their garden in one hour. This important survey allows the RSPB to monitor species population and trends year to year.

Residents also enjoyed a trip to their local RSPB wildlife reserve RSPB Radipole Nature Reserve, where they spent the day spotting birds and other wildlife – they even saw the rare, bearded tit. 

When they returned to Anning House, as part of an art therapy session, the residents made bird boxes and bird feeders to encourage even more feathered friends into the home’s garden. 

Michelle Harwood, General Manager at Anning House, said: “Spending time outside and engaging with nature offers many benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, which is especially important for older people and those living with dementia.

“Birdwatching is a peaceful activity, with vibrant colours and distinctive bird songs providing calming, sensory stimulation. It’s a hobby which residents can enjoy from the comfort of an armchair, no matter what the weather, thanks to our carefully positioned feeders. Everyone enjoyed getting together to count the wildlife in the home’s garden as well as out and about at RSPB Radipole Nature Reserve.

“We were thrilled to be a part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch again this year, and to contribute to this vital national survey. It was fascinating to learn more about our animal neighbours!"

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Anning House, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Anning House, please call Home Admissions Advisor, Paul Bartliff on 01305 896744, email paul.bartliff@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/anning-house