ELDERLY residents at a care home in Kidderminster have their binoculars at the ready ahead of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Preparations are underway as Care UK's Brook Court gears up to take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey from Saturday 26th January until Monday 28th January.

Residents will be taking part in a variety of activities, including making bird boxes, writing wildlife-inspired poetry, and getting crafty with bird art.

The home has also invited the Falconry Club and its collection of birds to join them for the occasion, giving residents the opportunity to get up close to a variety of birds of prey.

2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which encourages people nationwide to count the birds in their gardens to allow the charity to monitor trends and understand how different species are doing. Data from over half a million people is then compared year-on-year to provide a ‘snapshot’ of bird numbers across the UK.

Home manager Gill Pratt said: “The residents have spent the last few weeks filling bird feeders and reading up on the variety of birdlife often spotted around Kidderminster and we’re all set for this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

“The thing we love most about birdwatching here at Brook Court, 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 the Falconry Club will be joining us to help get this year’s event off to a flying start.”

To find out more about the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and how to get involved, go to rspb.org.uk.