The Brotton Bird Buddies project came about during the last year of lockdowns. It successfully managed to combat social isolation while also being of benefit to wildlife. Feeding garden birds is a great way for people to get up close with wildlife in their area.
Funding was provided by the Tees Valley Nature Partnership, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and Beyond Housing. It allowed Tees Valley Wildlife Trust to enroll 40 households as Bird Buddies. They received a bird feeding station, a garden bird ID guide and supplies of birdseed and nuts. They also received a personal delivery service (following contemporary social distancing guidelines) and regular phone calls to keep them connected.
Five Ways to Wellbeing
The success of Brotton Bird Buddies led to Tees Valley Wildlife Trust becoming a partner in Redcar and Cleveland’s ‘Bounce Back with Nature’ campaign. This was part of the international Mental Health Awareness Week, which had the theme of nature. With socially distanced nature activities and a set of postcards celebrating the Five Ways to Wellbeing. You can find our wellbeing information by following this link. Here you can find inspiration, ideas and practical activities that will enable you to be more active, take notice, connect, learn and give.
You can read the full story in the Summer Issue of Wild Tees Magazine. Become a member and you will receive your issue of Wild Tees Magazine and much more. Hit that ‘Join’ button at the top of the page!