BBC Springwatch filmmaker inspires residents with immersive wildlife workshop
Residents across Athena Care Homes experienced something truly special this March as wildlife expert Simon Watts visited homes across East Anglia to deliver immersive and interactive wildlife presentations.
Best known for his work on BBC’s Springwatch, Simon brought his passion for nature directly to residents, helping them discover the incredible wildlife living right outside their windows.
Bringing Local Wildlife into Focus
Each session began with aerial views of the care homes and their surrounding areas, giving residents a new perspective on their environment. From there, Simon explored the fascinating world of garden wildlife, highlighting the small creatures that play a vital role in the ecosystem.
Residents learned about:
• The lifecycles of insects and small animals
• How wildlife feeds and thrives in local habitats
• The importance of biodiversity in care home gardens
Inspiring Greener, Wildlife-Friendly Gardens
As part of the Athena in Bloom 2026 initiative, residents were encouraged to think about how they could transform their gardens into welcoming spaces for wildlife.
Ideas included:
• Creating ponds and rockeries
• Building bug hotels
• Planting wildlife-attracting flowers and shrubs
• Leaving small gaps for hedgehogs and other animals
Hands-On Activities That Spark Joy
A standout moment was the interactive workshop, where residents created pinecones wrapped in Scottish lambswool. These natural feeders provide birds with materials for nest building and offered a sensory-rich activity that engaged touch, smell, and creativity.
Creating Lasting Memories
Each two-hour session provided meaningful engagement, sparking conversations, memories, and a renewed connection with nature. Residents, staff, and families all shared in the excitement of discovering how they could support local wildlife together.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Simon Watts for his inspiring visits. We look forward to seeing our gardens flourish into vibrant spaces filled with wildlife activity.
