Care UK helps RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch get off to a flying start at Cheadle school

Company news

Feb 10, 2015

Pupils at Meadowbank Primary School received a helping hand from Care UK when some of the team at its newest care home, Abney Court, joined them in taking part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Care UK donated items including a bird table, bird bath, nest boxes and feeders to attract birds to the school’s outdoor area and, on Friday 23 January, pupils participated in the birdwatch. With their binoculars and bird guides at the ready, they spotted nine different species of birds including magpies, robins, carrion crows, starlings and wood pigeon.

Known as the largest wildlife survey in the world, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch encourages people throughout the UK to take a closer look at the nature on their doorsteps by counting the different birds which visit their garden in any one hour over the last weekend of January, as well as recording any non-bird species such as badgers and hedgehogs.

Mark Shockledge, home manager at Abney Court, said: “Connecting with our outdoor space and taking the time to observe birds and wildlife can be an extremely enjoyable and beneficial activity for people of all ages and, as Abney Court is still in development, we thought the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch would be a great opportunity to support the local school and engage pupils in birdwatching.

“Everyone really enjoyed the day and it was great to spot so many different species of birds. We now look forward to building on our relationship with the school and the wider community when we open the doors to Abney Court in May.”

Kellie Carrington, deputy headteacher at Meadowbank Primary School, said: “We were delighted to receive such a generous donation of resources and equipment from Care UK, which has helped us to encourage different types of birds into our school grounds. We were really keen to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and play a part in this important national survey. The children had such fun on the day and the resources will continue to benefit their learning in the future."

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch has taken place annually over the last 35 years, with the information collected each year helping the RSPB form a picture of bird populations across the country and highlighting any trends or changes. For more information, visit rspb.org.uk.

For more information about Abney Court, contact Mark Shockledge by emailing mark.shockledge@careuk.com or calling 0333 321 1922.