Bird-loving resident of Hartismere Place in Eye revisits youth by admiring feathered friends

An Eye care home resident, who loved birdwatching as a child, was given a chance to revisit her youth when she spent time at a Suffolk nature reserve .

Cynthia Ridger, who is a resident at Hartismere Place in Castleton Way, was taken to Lackford Lakes to observe some of its feathered friends.

The 95-year-old’s love of the natural world began in her childhood, when her parents took her on regular trips to the Suffolk countryside, up until she was 11.

After she was evacuated to a small town just outside Birmingham during the Second World War, her love for birds only grew, as she continued to observe the likes of yellow hammers on her way back from school.

But she not had a chance to get back to nature for a proper spot of birdwatching in years – until last week.

Mrs Ridger said: “I think that it is wonderful to have places like Lackford Lakes, which are put aside for birds and wildlife, and to see them so close up.

“I wonder if they get used to us watching as they got so close – maybe they are really watching us.”

Claire Martin, home manager at Hartismere Place, said it had been a pleasure and a privilege to grant Mrs Ridger her wish – all while enjoying some fresh air and beautiful scenery.

She added: “Birdwatching is an especially worthwhile hobby for older people, as it encourages them to spend more time outdoors and keep active.

“As Cynthia was already a keen twitcher, the activity also proved to be a great opportunity for her to reminisce, and tell us all about her favourite birds.

“We think Cynthia might have passed on her passion for birdwatching to other residents, too – we are all looking forward to our next trip.”