Birdworld introduces Horndean care home residents to animals from owls to chinchillas

This year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch saw residents at Care UK’s Pear Tree Court, on Portsmouth Road, celebrating the best of British birds with some avian-themed activities.

As part of the celebrations, residents were joined by birds of prey and other creatures from Birdworld in Farnham, for a special ‘show and tell’ workshop.

Residents had an opportunity to meet the animals and birds up close, and find out more about them from their keepers.

Betty Lambert, a resident at Pear Tree Court, said: ‘I have always loved owls and have collected them throughout my life. I was thrilled to be able to hold one during Birdworld’s visit to our home.’

David Taylor, care home manager, said: ‘Residents love taking part in nature-themed activities here, and we had a lot of fun celebrating this year’s bird-themed event.

‘It was great to be able to see a large variety of animals and impressive birds up close, from owls to chinchillas – you could see from the residents’ reactions just how engaged and fascinated they were, so the visit proved to be a real success.’

Pear Tree Court provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care.

The care home has a cinema and hair salon.

Mr Taylor added: ‘Connecting with nature and its wildlife is extremely beneficial for older people, as it promotes positive social interaction, improves wellbeing and provides an opportunity for sensory stimulation. This can also be helpful for those living with dementia, as it can conjure happy memories and the associated emotions.

‘I’d like to say thank you to Birdworld for joining us and making the day so special.’