‘Spotting the wildlife is so special’
JERRY Blumire and his disabled son Thomas have strengthened their relationship with nature by monitoring the wildlife in their garden during the pandemic.
Harp maker Jerry, 61, and photographer Thomas, 29, will take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend at home in Redhill, Surrey.
Thomas, who has muscular dystrophy, said time in his garden was “special”. He added: “It’s been a good thing for my mental health, especially during Covid.”
The duo did their own garden survey using Thomas’s wildlife blog at blumirewildlifediaries.co.uk in lockdown. They noted 380 species, raising £1,650 for Christian conservation charity A Rocha.
Of RSPB’s Birdwatch, Jerry said: “It’s citizen science – and it’s exciting that we can take part.”