Feathers & Fur visit a flyaway success at Winchcombe Place care home

Home news

Feb 17, 2016

A host of feathered friends flew into the Winchcombe Place care home on Maple Crescent, Newbury, following the success of its recent involvement in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Nature-loving residents were joined by Foundation stage pupils from the neighbouring Winchcombe School when representatives from Berkshire-based Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre dropped into the care home with different species of owl.  Everyone had the opportunity to get up close to the likes of Tawny, Indian and Barn Owls as the birds of prey were shown to residents and pupils.

The event followed Winchcombe Place’s participation in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch at the end of January, which saw residents making a record of the number and types of birds coming into the care home’s garden during a one hour period.  Following their visit to Winchcombe Place, the children were presented with a bird table on behalf of the team at the home to help then attract birds to their own garden.

Stephanie Jones, home manager, said: “At Winchcombe Place we support residents to participate in outdoor and sensory activities as they can boost emotional and physical wellbeing, and help residents to live meaningful and fulfilled lives.

“As we prepared to take part in the RSPB’s nationwide wildlife count, we put together a programme of nature-related activities.  This included painting bird boxes, filling-up feeders and even making our own fat cakes to attract more birds to our garden.

“The visit from Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre was an important part of our activities programme and it has proven to be a real highlight for everyone at Winchcombe Place.  We have a great relationship with Winchcombe School and were thrilled they were able to join us for the visit. Those brave enough were able to handle the owls, and everyone enjoyed having the chance to take a closer look at such magnificent birds of prey.”

To attract more birds to your garden why not try making your own bird food.  Visit www.careuk.com/birdwatch to download Care UK’s fat cake recipe and to see the many varied activities residents at Care UK homes have been enjoying as part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.