Norwich care home residents have a hoot with local pupils

 

As part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, care home residents and local pupils had a quack-ing morning surveying the Norwich wildlife. 

Residents at Care UK’s Cavell Court, on Dragonfly Lane, were joined by pupils from Cringleford Primary School to make bird feed and for a spot of birdwatching.

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

With their binoculars at the ready, residents and pupils from the school’s year five class recorded the birds they spotted in the home’s garden and discussed their favourite species. 

They also made fat balls and treats for the birds, giving residents an opportunity to reminisce about enjoying the nature in their gardens in their younger years. The fat balls will be hung in the garden at Cavell Court and at the school.

Commenting on the afternoon, resident Margaret Wood, 86, said “I really enjoyed working with the children and making treats for the birds to help them throughout the winter."

Susan Pollock, 78, said: "It was lovely spending time with the children, chatting with them and making fats balls together!"

Maureen Powles, 80, added: "The children were so polite, it was a pleasure meeting them!"

Pedro Campos, Home Manager at Cavell Court, said: “We had a fantastic time taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch with pupils from Cringleford Primary School.

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be incredibly enriching for residents, as they provide an opportunity for younger and older generations to learn from each other. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for older people, as they can offer a sense of purpose and prompt conversations as residents reflect on their younger years. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Cringleford Primary School for taking part, and we can’t wait to team up for more activities soon!”

Cavell Court is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hairdressers, and there is plenty of space both indoors and out for relaxation and recreation.