Saltburn care home residents photographed for national wildlife campaign

ELDERLY care home residents in Saltburn-by-the-Sea are the face of a national nature challenge – where participants do one wild thing a day throughout June.

Residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, Randolph Street, took part in a photo shoot for 30 Days Wild, The Wildlife Trusts’ annual challenge.

Ellen Else, 93, was among those who modelled for the Trusts’ campaign, and can now be seen hugging a tree in their “Let’s Go #30DaysWild for Carers” brochure.

The nonagenarian was joined by almost a dozen fellow residents when professional photographer Trai Anfield visited the home for The Wildlife Trusts’ shoot.

Joan Johnson, 90, also took part. She said: “I felt like a star having my photo taken.”

Joyce Wooffindin, 83, said: “Even though it was a bit chilly outside, it was great to be out in nature.”

David Rigg, 75, added: “Since coming into Hazelgrove I have had many new experiences and taking part in a photo shoot for The Wildlife Trusts is one of them. Maybe I should have been a model.”

The photos will be used in future campaigns, in print and digital materials, to promote the nationwide challenge, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the natural environment.

The care home was approached to participate in the campaign after taking part in the 30 Days Wild challenge for six out of the last 10 years it has been running.

Over the last few years, residents have enjoyed nature puzzles and games, making bird feeders and bug hotels, painting flowers and leaf printing, making daisy chains and planting sunflowers, as well as visits to the coast and nearby woodlands, among other activities.

Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “The residents absolutely love taking part in 30 Days Wild.

“In the past few years we have hugged trees, made bird feeders, made bug hotels, and tuned in to wildlife webcams around the world – everyone thought the shark cams were brilliant.

“We have also reared caterpillars and then released the butterflies. We sponsor a barn owl box but this year a pair of kestrels have taken up residence and have laid four eggs. Everyone is very excited.

“Everyone was very excited to take part in the photo shoot and had a great time. Ellen was delighted when she saw her photo had been used in the brochure.”

Joanna Richards, head of communications for The Wildlife Trusts, says: “It’s fantastic that residents at Hazelgrove get so much out of 30 Days Wild.

“The variety of activities they do shows how the challenge can be interpreted in so many different ways.

“We’re delighted that some of the residents could help us to promote this year’s challenge as it celebrates its tenth year.

“Everyone benefits from taking time for nature and we can all do our bit to help wildlife where we live.”