Residents at The Polegate Care Home prepare for RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Residents at HC-One’s The Polegate Care Home in Polegate, East Sussex, have been getting creative as they prepared to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

In the lead-up to the annual event, which takes place from 23rd – 25th January, residents and colleagues worked together to make their own bird feeders. Using pinecones, peanut butter and bird food, the group created a range of homemade feeders which were then placed around the care home’s garden.

The activity formed part of preparations for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, one of the UK’s largest citizen science events. Each year, people across the country are encouraged to spend one hour observing and counting the birds in their gardens or local green spaces, helping the RSPB to monitor bird populations and understand how wildlife is faring.

Residents at The Polegate Care Home are now looking forward to spotting the different birds that visit the garden during the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend and hoping their handmade feeders will prove popular with their feathered visitors.

The creative session also gave residents the opportunity to enjoy a hands-on activity, support local wildlife and spend time together, reinforcing the care home’s commitment to promoting wellbeing, creativity and connection with nature.

Debra McDonald, Home Manager at The Polegate Care Home said:

“Residents really enjoyed making the bird feeders and talking about the different birds we might see in our garden. Everyone is excited to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch and we’re hoping the birds will love the treats we’ve made for them.”

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch has been running for over 40 years and plays a vital role in helping conservationists track trends in garden bird numbers across the UK.

HC-One’s The Polegate Care Home regularly organises activities that encourage residents to stay active, engaged and connected to the world around them.

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