Residents at an Edinburgh care home flock together for national birdwatch

Residents at a care home in Edinburgh had their binoculars at the ready when they invited a school to take part in this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Residents at Care UK’s Murrayside, on South Beechwood, were joined by pupils from Carrick Knowe Primary School for a busy afternoon observing the many feathered friends visiting the garden when they took part in the world’s largest wildlife survey. 

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey. Every year, over half a million people nationwide take part by counting the birds, as well as other garden species such as badgers and hedgehogs, that they spot in their garden in one hour. This important survey allows the RSPB to monitor species population and trends year to year.

Keen to identify their favourite birds through appearance, residents and children enjoyed an arts and crafts therapy session, where they drew and painted birds using watercolour paints. Residents and children also rolled their sleeves up as they gathered birdseed and plastic bottles to create bird feeders to hang in the home’s garden.

Suzanne Welsh, Home Manager at Murrayside, said: “Spending time outside and connecting with nature has great benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, which is important for older people, and particularly for those living with dementia.

“Birdwatching is a peaceful activity, with vibrant colours and distinctive bird songs also providing calming, sensory stimulation. It’s a hobby which residents can be enjoyed from the comfort of an armchair, no matter what the weather, thanks to our carefully positioned feeders. 

“We were delighted to be part of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch again this year and to be playing a part in this important national survey. It was great to learn more about our wildlife neighbours and to welcome the children from Carrick Knowe Primary School for a fun day of bird spotting!”.

Murrayside care home has been specially designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.

To find out more about Murrayside, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Cliona Robertson, on 0131 516 2487, or email cliona.robertson@careuk.com

For more general information, please visit careuk.com/murrayside