Haydale Twitchers Get Into The Big Garden Birdwatch

The race is on to spot all the different birds that visit the gardens of Haydale Care Home as Residents take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

Activities Co-ordinator Kirstin Millar has been supporting the Residents to identify the winged visitors in the grounds.

At the beginning of the year, Kirstin asked Residents to name their favourite thing about nature, and the majority of people said ‘birdsong’.

So, using the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch as their inspiration, the group have been spending their time logging the birds that arrive and finding out fun facts.

It’s been a very popular endeavour, and Kirstin has been making it an inclusive activity so that everyone can enjoy the fun.

Kirstin said: “The Residents love nature, especially the birds who swoop in.

“The first thing we did is position all the chairs in the lounge so Residents can look out at the garden to see what’s going on.

“I keep the iPad close by so we can look up the species, write down what we spot and find out more about each bird.

“We’ve been lucky enough to have a little bit of January sun, and it’s been lovely to see how happy the Residents are as they relax.

“The combination of a bit of sun on their faces, the sound of birdsong and spotting the birds have brought a lot of joy.”

Kirstin supports Residents who live with learning difficulties, as well as older Residents, and says that many people enjoy getting outdoors when they get the chance.

For those who can’t get outside, she’s creating sensory experiences instead.

Kirstin said: “If Residents can’t hear the birdsong outside, I play them birdsong, and I’ve got some mists to create garden aromas.

“Whatever we can do to provide a sensory experience helps involve all Residents in the activity.

“I’ve found some flower stickers to put on the windows in Residents’ bedrooms to bring more of the natural world inside.

“The Residents have said that they really like all these little touches and getting involved.

“We’re looking forward to logging our findings with the Big Garden Birdwatch – and spotting as many species as we can!”