Residents of a care home spent a fun weekend bird watching.

Colne View Care Home, in Halstead, took part in the RSPB’s annual bird watch at the weekend.

Known as the largest wildlife survey in the world, the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch encourages people throughout the UK to take a closer look at the nature on their doorsteps by counting the different birds which visit their garden in any one hour over the last weekend of January, as well as recording any non-bird species such as badgers and hedgehogs.

In preparation, the home had set up bird tables and feeders in the garden, as well as equipping dedicated ‘twitching’ stations around the home with binoculars and guides to identifying different species.

Home Manager Ana Tudorache said: “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.

"Bird watching can also be a valuable reminiscence activity, with the appearance of certain species and the sounds of bird song evoking memories and helping 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.