Residents at Care UK's Kentford Manor care home in Newmarket participated in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

The residents explored beyond their garden and spent an afternoon observing wildlife at Lakenheath Fen Nature Reserve.

The annual birdwatch encourages people living in the UK to observe and count the different species of birds and other wildlife visiting their gardens within a one hour window.

Tommy Miller, 87, said: “It was lovely being out in the open air seeing all those wonderful birds in their natural habitat.

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the top spots of the day was the spotted woodpecker One of the top spots of the day was the spotted woodpecker (Image: Kentford Manor care home)

"We had such a relaxing morning and saw marsh tits, blackbirds, robins, chaffinches and my personal favourite, the great spotted woodpecker.”

Katrina Rayment, general manager at Kentford Manor, said: “Residents had a wonderful time with their binoculars at the ready at Lakenheath Fen.

“Birdwatching is a peaceful activity that has a calming effect on all that take part, with vibrant colours and distinctive bird calls that provide sensory stimulation.

"Spending time outside and connecting with nature has great benefits for both physical and mental wellbeing, which is incredibly beneficial for older people, and particularly for those living with dementia."