VISION IMPAIRED BIRD LOVERS GET WISE TO OWLS IN HEAD-TURNING VISIT

A group of vision impaired people from Great Yarmouth took part in a head-turning experience when they got up close and personal with three owls during a specially arranged visit to the Fritton Owl Sanctuary.

Fifteen blind and vision impaired visitors and volunteers were able to hold and stroke a barn owl, a tawny owl and a little owl during the visit, as well as hear how the sanctuary provides a home to unwanted captive bred owls which cannot be released into the wild.

The group, from sight loss charity Vision Norfolk’s Great Yarmouth hub, visited the centre as part of their ongoing programme of special leisure and sporting activities to help tackle the social isolation which can result from sight loss.

Vision Norfolk Great Yarmouth hub co-ordinator Ed Bates, who is himself blind, said, “We are always looking for new experiences for our clients, and the owl sanctuary at Fritton was a first for us all.  The ability to touch and interact in a hands-on way with the birds made the visit really special.

“Being able to get out and about is so important for people living with sight loss, who often struggle with isolation as well as practical issues such as travel.  We are so grateful to our fantastic team of volunteers who made the trip possible.”

The trip was part of Vision Norfolk’s extensive programme of social, leisure and sporting activities aimed at vision impaired people in the county.  For more details, visit www.visionnorfolk.org.uk/supporting-you/activities.