RESIDENTS at a Worcester care home are strapping on their binoculars to take part in a national wildlife survey.

In preparation for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch starting on Saturday, January 24, residents and staff at Perry Manor in Charles Hastings Way have been setting up feeders and a bird table in the garden.

Residents have also been given binoculars and guides to different species to help them get the most out of the weekend.

Home manager Mike Dearn said connecting with the outdoors and wildlife can be extremely beneficial for people with dementia.

“The quiet, calming nature of bird watching can help lower anxiety while the colourful sights and distinctive sounds of our feathered friends provide plenty of sensory stimulation,” he said.

“Bird watching can also be a valuable reminiscence activity, with the appearance of certain species and the sounds of bird song evoking memories and it also helps residents recall their love of nature.

“Sitting and watching the birds come and go quickly becomes an enjoyable shared interest for residents which can help combat any feelings of isolation, while practical tasks such as helping to clean and fill bird feeders can also be very fulfilling.”

The two-day national event, now in its 35th year, is the largest wildlife survey in the world and involves people across the country taking an hour on both days recording all the animals they see.