Residents at White Lodge care home, in Braydon near Royal Wootton Bassett, were delighted to be featured on Countryfile on BBC1 on Sunday 11th March, as part of the Plant Britain campaign.
The home is set in 10 acres of stunning countryside, with every room having a view, the residents have been planning how they want to develop their garden area.
Residents started the planting with a selection of fruit trees, plus some ornamental trees in the main border. They have also been adding colour around the garden with pots and hanging baskets. Everyone is looking forward to enjoying the fruit from the trees in their home cooked meals later in the year.
Countryfile Plant Britain is a 2 year project to help combat climate change, encourage wildlife and improve everyone’s wellbeing. The goal is to plant 75,000 trees, one for every school starter in 2020. Tina and Martine, the Activities Coordinators at White Lodge, introduced the project to the residents and they had so many ideas. This will be an ongoing project at the home throughout 2021.
Peter, a Resident Ambassador, who has been leading the project, commented: “I have always enjoyed gardening and it is wonderful I can continue this great love of mine at White Lodge. I lost my wife last year and I have suggested we create a Memorial Rose Garden so those of us who have lost a loved one have somewhere we can go to sit and reflect.”
Tina Hughes, the Activity Coordinator has been working closely with Peter and the other residents, said: “We are so pleased to be working on this project to make the resident ideas a reality, over the next couple of months we will be creating the Memorial Garden along with adding some raised beds so all the residents can actively get involved in gardening.”
Ramona Gherendi, General Manager at White Lodge Care Home, said: “In these unprecedented times, providing a range of engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities for our residents is more important than ever. Our residents really enjoy spending time outside and we look forward to seeing their plans develop over the coming months.”
White Lodge, which provides nursing, residential and respite care, is run by Barchester Healthcare.
They are welcoming new residents into their homes to ensure they are there for those that need care and support.
They have very clear protocols that must be met including a transition period into the homes to help keep everyone safe.
As one of the UK’s largest care providers, Barchester Healthcare is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals.