Priors House residents flock together for birdwatch

Home news

Jan 25, 2019

Residents at Priors House have their binoculars at the ready ahead of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch. 

Preparations are underway, as Priors House gears up to take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey from Saturday 26th January until Monday 28th January.

Residents will be taking part in a variety of activities related to our feathered friends, including decorating bird houses, making feeders and taking part in a bird themed quiz.

The home will also be visited by wildlife film-maker Simon Watts, who will give residents an informative talk about the different types of birds of prey. Wildlife Presentations will also be live streaming footage from the home’s bird feeders. Residents will then be able to spot, identify and count all the visitors to the home’s garden. 

2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which encourages people nationwide to count the birds in their gardens to allow the charity to monitor trends and understand how different species are doing. Data from over half a million people is then compared year-on-year to provide a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK.  

Home manager, Francine Summers, explained why taking part in the Birdwatch is important for residents at Priors House: “We’ve got our binoculars at the ready and we’re raring to go for this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch! 

“The annual event provides a great opportunity to get outside and connect with nature – something which has many therapeutic benefits, especially for those living with dementia. It’s a real sensory experience for residents, who have the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and textures of a crisp January day – all while looking out for visiting feathered friends!