Residents have been busy monitoring the local birds and putting extra bird food out to keep their feathered friends fattened up over the winter months.
By following the advice of the RSPB, the keen birdwatchers hope their generosity is rewarded with plenty of flying visits.
Richmond Manor Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Clare Cook said: “We have had a lot of fun, but we are also very serious about looking after our local wildlife.
“We want to do everything we can to look after the birds who find it very hard to find food during the winter months.”
Residents will record each visiting bird in a log, which will then be submitted to the charity’s annual survey on British bird life.
Charrington Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coach Claudia Modiga said: “Feeding the birds during the winter is vital to their wellbeing, and throughout the colder months, food is scarce, and energy is precious.
“We love watching the birds in the garden or from the windows. But it is getting bitter outdoors, and we really do want to preserve our local wildlife, so as well as documenting the birds, we are making sure we put plenty of food out.”
Over at Verwood House in Dorset, the residents have enjoyed observing several species of birds.
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coach Emilia Turner said: “Our residents were eager to join this year’s RSPB campaign, and we are all very keen to keep our local wildlife healthy. So far, we have had robins, bluetits, and house sparrows visit us.
“Hopefully, we will get plenty more birds and different species visiting the garden, and we will have some good news to report to the RSPB.”
At Upton Manor, Wellbeing and Lifestyle Coach Amy Morrison said they’d been worried about how the recent cold snaps impacted birdlife in the area.
Amy said: “It’s now getting bitterly cold, and there just isn’t enough food to sustain the birds.
“We want to encourage the birds to the garden, and we’re keen that they get a good meal when they visit.
“We have had such fun here at Upton, although so far, we have seen a lot of pigeons and crows. Hopefully, our handmade bird feeder balls will attract a greater variety.”
At Abbots Wood Manor, Community Relations Lead Richard Hollands supported residents in creating handmade bird feeders.
Richard said: “We decided to make our own bird feeders using cones and some of the birds’ favourite foods recommended. We used sunflower seeds, fat balls, breadcrumbs, and we also make sure we put plenty of water out regularly.”
For Residents of Elstow Manor, the January RSPB Birdwatch was just the start of a range of activities.
Elstow Manor Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coach Oliver Waddington said: “Following our residents’ participation in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, through February, we have planned some follow-up activities to support our flying visitors with additional bird feeder making, as well as building and decorating bird boxes.
“Our residents regularly walk around the garden and admire the different varieties of birds. Being close to some lakes, we have the pleasure of seeing swans, ducks, herons, pigeons, bluetits, and many robins.
"Residents also leave their own birdfeeders and bird baths on their patios to admire them from rooms or while sitting in the sun.
“It’s very important that we look after our local wildlife, and we hope that our gardens are a true haven.”
