CARE home residents are preparing to take part in a bird watching event.

Colne View care home in Halstead is gearing up to take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey over the weekend.

Residents will be joined by local nursery children as well as Kala Dowsett, known locally as "the owl lady", who will be bringing a variety of feathered friends for the residents to meet.

During the weekend there will be a number of bird themed activities going on for residents and guests to enjoy including creating bird feeders from pottery and making home-made fat balls for the birds.

Razvan Stanbeca, home manager, explained why taking part in the Birdwatch is important for residents at Colne View: “"The residents have spent the last few weeks filling bird feeders and reading up on the variety of birdlife often spotted around Halstead – and we’re all set for this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

"The thing we love most about bird watching here at Colne View, is that it really brings nature to life.

"What’s more, the sensory stimulation of the colourful sights and beautiful sounds of the garden can often be a great reminiscence activity, and bring memories from many years ago to the surface.

"We’re thrilled that Kala and the local nursery children will be joining us to help get this year’s event off to a flying start."

This year is the 40th anniversary of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which encourages people across the nation to count the birds in their gardens.

This allows for the charity to monitor trends and understand how the different species of birds are doing.