Generations Unite for Big Garden Birdwatch at Keymer Hall

Residents at Keymer Hall Care Home, Burgess Hill, came together with young children from Dicker House Nursery on Friday 23rd January for a special Big Garden Birdwatch event that beautifully demonstrated the power of community, nature, and intergenerational connection.

The home took part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, the UK's biggest citizen science wildlife survey, which ran from 23-25 January 2026. Now in its 47th year, the survey asks people across the country to spend one hour counting the birds that visit their gardens, helping the RSPB understand how our garden birds are faring.

A Day of Discovery and Connection

The day brought together young and old in Keymer Hall's beautifully landscaped gardens, where residents and children worked side-by-side spotting birds, learning about different species, and creating fat balls to help feed our feathered friends throughout the winter months.

The event was enriched by John Underwood, an RSPB volunteer, whose extensive knowledge and infectious enthusiasm captivated everyone. From identifying birds by their calls to sharing fascinating facts about their behaviours, John helped everyone appreciate the remarkable wildlife right on their doorstep.

"Intergenerational activities like this are at the heart of what we do," explains Helen, Head of Lifestyle and Wellbeing at Keymer Hall. "Watching our residents light up as they work alongside the children, sharing their knowledge and enjoying their energy, reminds us why these connections matter so much. The joy is mutual - and the learning goes both ways."

Why It Matters

Last year, over 590,000 people across the UK took part in Big Garden Birdwatch, counting 9.1 million birds. The data reveals important trends: House Sparrows have declined by 64% since 1979, while Song Thrush counts are down 83%. The UK has lost 38 million birds from our skies in the last 60 years.

By participating in the survey, Keymer Hall is contributing vital data that helps the RSPB develop conservation strategies to protect our garden birds. Every observation counts, even noting when no birds are seen provides valuable information.

Christine Bunce, Home Manager at Keymer Hall, added: "Days like this exemplify the community spirit we nurture here at Keymer Hall. Seeing the children's excitement and our residents' delight as they came together over a shared love of nature was truly special. We're also proud to be contributing to such important conservation work."

The highlight of the day came when a very special feathered visitor made an appearance during the activities, much to everyone's delight, a moment that perfectly captured the magic of bringing people together through nature.

The Big Garden Birdwatch event is part of Keymer Hall's Life Enrichment Programme, which creates meaningful opportunities for residents to connect across generations and engage with the natural world. These intergenerational initiatives form an essential part of the holistic care approach at Keymer Hall, combating loneliness and fostering the kind of meaningful engagement that nurtures mind, body, and soul.

The home extends its heartfelt thanks to Dicker House Nursery, John Underwood, and everyone who helped make the day such a success.

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