Residents at Yeovil’s newest care home, Chestnut Lodge, had a hoot hosting a visit from four feathered friends, who were taken into the home to meet them by Sharandys Birds of Prey.

Bracken the tawny owl, Cobweb the barn owl, Bella who is a spectacled owl from the Amazon Rain Forest, and Ginsberg the European eagle owl, were accompanied by handlers Sharon Cox and Matt Banks, who gently introduced them to each resident on an individual basis.

Jacqui Cuff, activities co-ordinator for Chestnut Lodge, said: “The residents and staff were amazed to have a barn owl flying around our lounge.

“And they absolutely loved having the chance to get close to these stunning birds, to handle them and to stroke their fronts, especially Ginsberg, the large European eagle owl.

“Sharon Cox understands exactly how to help the people we support get the best out of the experience of being close to the owls.

“She’s got a great sense of humour and approached our residents in a way they responded to really well.”

Sharon Cox said: “We are used to engaging with people with all levels of dementia, and the folk at Chestnut Lodge gave us and our birds a lovely warm reception.

“We’ve been told that when they’ve had a visit from our beautiful owls, residents often talk about them for a very long time after the event. We find the interactions so rewarding.”

Sharandys Birds of Prey is based near the wide-open spaces of the Blackdown Hills, and run by qualified handlers Sharon and Matt who have been working with birds of prey for over 20 years.

Their visit, bringing the owls to meet the residents of Chestnut Lodge, was part of the full and varied programme of activities organised at the home.

Chestnut Lodge is run by Camelot Care, award-winning dementia care providers who also have homes in Bridgwater, Plymouth and Wellington www.camelotcare.co.uk