Mountfitchet House residents celebrate National Wildlife Day with care home team’s own children

Residents at a Stansted care home learned about creatures great and small with visiting children for National Wildlife Day.

The elderly clients at Mountfitchet House in Coltsfield welcomed the sons and daughters of the Care UK home’s team members for an animal encounter.

The animals, which included a bearded dragon, a corn snake and spider, belong to Mountfitchet House’s kitchen assistant, Mark Presland, who keeps them at his home.

He shared some interesting facts about the animals with the residents and children, including that corn snakes can live for about 20 years and is one of the tamest animals he keeps.

The children also enjoyed a reading corner with books including The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Elmer, colouring animal-inspired drawings and a photo booth, complete with animal masks.

Mountfitchet House resident Catherine Camp shared: “National Wildlife Day is so special as it recognises the importance of the contributions wildlife makes to the world and how we share the planet with such wonderful creatures.

“I had a fantastic time colouring and taking photos with the children in the photo booth. The highlight of my day was holding a bearded dragon. What an incredible experience to hold such an exotic animal at my age!”

Joanna Duke, home manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We had a fantastic day celebrating National Wildlife Day while learning all about the interesting animals.

“It’s wonderful to see how interacting with animals can have such a positive impact on our mental and physical health, and it helps us appreciate nature even more.

“Inter-generational relationships can be incredibly special and bring so much joy to both the young and older alike, giving everyone a greater sense of wellbeing and purpose. Seeing the residents telling the children about their favourite animals was truly heartwarming.

“We’re already looking forward to welcoming the children back to Mountfitchet House very soon!”

Mountfitchet House provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. It incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and has its own cinema, hair salon and café.