From left - Aldbury residents Jeanette Macklin and Audrey Hasset with companion Melissa Siat.
Published: January 8, 2025 | Updated: 8th January 2025
Nature-loving residents of a Dorset dementia care home have helped compile a 2025 calendar featuring photos of animals, birds and insects in their garden.
Badgers, squirrels, foxes, bees and blue tits are among the stars of the collection which The Aldbury in Poole is selling to raise funds for its nominated charity, Dorset-based Wildlife In Need.
The images were captured using a webcam installed in the grounds of the Colten Care home last summer, revealing the wildlife goings-on day and night.
Much activity has taken place in and around the bug hotel and hedgehog home built and furnished by members of The Aldbury’s weekly garden club with expert advice from charity representatives.
As well as still images, the webcam provides live footage of visiting wildlife which can be enjoyed whatever the weather from the comfort of the lounge and bedrooms – a particular benefit for those residents with mobility needs.
Companion Melissa Siat said: “We’ve been blessed with some amazing pictures and had always planned to create a photo album and possible calendar we could sell in aid of Wildlife In Need.
“The best photos were chosen by residents themselves including Terry Pattison, Joyce Holden and married couple Tony and Pam Husband.
“Among the shots are a robin feeding outside Stella Anderson’s window, blue tits nesting, a naughty squirrel stealing our bird food, a badger and fox behind our summerhouse, bees pollinating, chickens rescued by Wildlife In Need, and our friendly hairdresser’s dog Roxy!
“Residents received free copies of the calendar as a Christmas gift, and it is now on sale with all proceeds going to Wildlife In Need.
“More than £100 has been raised already, and everyone is so happy that it’s benefitting such a good cause.”
Resident Terry added: “There’s more happiness in giving than receiving.”
Wildlife In Need is a local wildlife rescue charity run and led by volunteers who offer expert care and advice in relation to injured animals and birds.
Calendar sales to staff and residents coupled with proceeds from galas and other events have helped The Aldbury raise more than £900 for Wildlife In Need.
