Avocet Court care home in Ipswich is gearing up for this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, and they’re inviting the local community to join them for a fun and meaningful event this weekend.
The care home boasts lovely gardens that already attract plenty of feathered friends, including household favourites like Blackbirds, Sparrows, Blue Tits, and Robins. To make the experience even more special, the home has set up a birdbox trail for visiting families. It’s the perfect chance to wander through the gardens and see how many different birds you can spot.
The event will take place on Saturday, January 25th, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and the team at Avocet Court hopes to welcome neighbours, families, and even members of the local group ActiLives, who are neighbours to the home, to join in the fun.
To help prepare for the big day, the care home’s residents have been busy making their own bird food and fat balls earlier in the week. These will be placed in the gardens to encourage even more birds to drop by during the event.
Home Manager Ruth Garnham said: “We hope that members of the local community and our own families and friends will join us. It’s a simple event, and you just need to wrap up warm and come along. We’ll provide the bird check sheets, and everyone can go round in groups.
“Our residents love watching the wildlife in our gardens, and with so many bird feeding stations already in place, they’re really keen to get involved.”
To top it all off, participants will be treated to tea and delicious cakes freshly made in the home’s own kitchen when they have finished in the garden.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, organised annually by the RSPB. It’s a wonderful way for people across the UK to connect with nature and help monitor how garden birds are faring.
Last year, over 600,000 people took part, counting an incredible 9.7 million birds. House Sparrows took the top spot, but their numbers have sadly fallen by 60% since the first Birdwatch in 1979. With birds facing increasing challenges, every bird you count (or don’t see) provides vital data to help protect these precious creatures.
So, why not pop down to Avocet Court this Saturday? It’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air, help wildlife, and make wonderful memories with the community. Don’t forget your binoculars and your sense of adventure.
