Local pupils help residents at Appleby House count feathered friends

Home news

Feb 03, 2017

Appleby House was joined by pupils from Epsom Primary School when it took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Residents from Appleby House on had a busy weekend observing the many feathered friends visiting the garden as they took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey.

With the help of children from Epsom Primary School, residents created a number of tasty treats to attract birds to the care home’s garden for the birdwatch.

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, as well as recording any non-bird species such as badgers and hedgehogs, which visit their garden in any one hour.

Home manager, Shona Bradbury, explained why Appleby House is one of several Care UK care homes that took part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. “We were delighted to be joined by Epsom Primary School who helped the residents create some tasty treats to tempt local birds and other wildlife into the garden. The residents had a lovely afternoon and enjoyed spending time with the students spotting and counting the different birds who came to visit.

“Spending time outdoors is important for physical and mental wellbeing, and has many benefits for older people, particularly for those who are living with dementia. The sounds of bird song and the appearance of different species can also help bring memories to the surface and act as a valuable reminiscence activity.”