Beak-a-boo! The Big Garden Birdwatch gets off to a flying start at Kingston Vale care home

A care home in Kingston Vale took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey as part of RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022. 

Residents from Care UK’s Sherwood Grange, on Robin Hood Lane, had their binoculars ready, and their bird feeders filled to enjoy the world’s largest wildlife survey. Equipped with long-lens cameras, residents also took photos and were able to zoom in on the different types of birds to help identify their species. Always keen to promote the benefits of art, residents also enjoyed creating RSPB bunting and painting ceramic birds. 

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. 

Rick Mayne, Home Manager at Sherwood Grange said: “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.

“Birdwatching helps bring nature to life, offering colourful sights and sensory stimulation. 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. 

“If it’s not too cold outside, birdwatching is an accessible activity that all abilities can enjoy, whether simply sitting in the garden and taking in the sights and sounds of the birds, or filling the bird feeder. 

“We really enjoyed taking part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and have loved researching and learning more about the different birds and wildlife that share our environment. We look forward to ‘twitching’ again throughout the year to see what other types of birds the change in seasons will bring.” 

Sherwood Grange has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The ‘Outstanding’-rated, state-of-the-art care home features a cinema, hair salon and art studio, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room, to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Sherwood Grange, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Richard Harvey by emailing: Richard.Harvey2@careuk.com or call 020 4502 8956.

For more general information, please visit: careuk.com/sherwood-grange.