Kidderminster care home residents flock together for national birdwatch

Residents at a care home in Kidderminster have been celebrating Britain’s best birds as part of the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

In support of this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, residents at Care UK’s Brook Court on Oldnall Road enjoyed a range of avian-themed activities.

The highlight was Tom Waters from Fathom Falconry bringing along a hybrid peregrine and lanner falcon, a Harris hawk, and a barn owl, to meet the residents and talking about their habitats, behaviours and conservation.

Residents were also able to get hands-on, making bird feeders for the garden to encourage even more wildlife into the home’s outdoor spaces.

Resident Doreen Brook, 92, said: “I enjoyed seeing the birds up close; I thought the barn owl was beautiful. I’d never the chance to do anything like it before, and it was a lovely experience.” 

Every year, more than half a million people nationwide take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch by counting the birds, as well as other garden species such as badgers and hedgehogs, they spot in their garden in one hour. This important survey allows the RSPB to monitor species population and trends year to year.

Shirley Summerbell, Home Manager at Brook Court, said: “We had a lot of fun celebrating this year’s bird-themed event. Residents had a fascinating time getting up close to the beautiful birds while learning all about British wildlife.

“Activities like this are so important here at Brook Court. 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. The event also provided a fun way to bring everyone together and create cherished memories.

“I'd like to say thank you to Tom from Fathom Falconry for joining us and making the day so special.”

Brook Court is a state-of-the-art care home that provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. It features 67 en-suite bedrooms and has been designed to enable residents to lead active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The building incorporates plenty of space for hobby and leisure activities, and includes its own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café.