Poole care home residents and children flock together for RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

 

Residents at a care home in Poole had their binoculars at the ready as they welcomed local school children to take part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Residents at Care UK’s The Potteries, on York Road, were joined by year four pupils from Canford Heath Junior School for a busy afternoon painting bird boxes and making homemade bird food, as they took part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey. 

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

Keen to learn more about identifying their favourite birds, residents and children enjoyed an arts and crafts session, where they painted bird boxes and created their own bird feeders from lard, seeds and mealworms. Everyone enjoyed rolling up their sleeves as they decorated the boxes and perfected their feeders, ready to attract some feathered friends for monitoring. Later, residents ventured out into the home’s garden, where they observed many varieties of colourful birds. 

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, said: “We were delighted to be part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch again this year and to be playing our part in this important national survey. It was great to learn more about our wildlife neighbours and to welcome the young eco warriors from Canford Heath Junior School for a fun day of bird crafts.

“Birdwatching is a peaceful activity, with vibrant colours and distinctive bird songs also providing calming, sensory stimulation. It’s a hobby that residents can enjoy from the comfort of an armchair, no matter what the weather, thanks to our carefully positioned feeders. 

“Everyone absolutely loved the day and had so much fun. Our wonderful creations will now be placed in the garden as a lasting reminder of the lovely time we spent together. We’re ready and waiting for the next flock to fly across The Potteries!”

The Potteries has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential care, nursing care, dementia care and respite care. It also boasts plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.