WORK is under way to create an ‘enchanted nature trail’ in Rosneath in honour of the area’s NHS and key workers during the pandemic.

The Clachan Glen is set to be transformed into a wooded wonderland of hidden treasures, tree decorations and other attractions to express the community’s gratitude to those who have helped keep the country running throughout the coronavirus crisis.

Autumn Brown, the brains behind the project, has featured in the Advertiser regularly over the past 12 months having organised arts and craft stalls outside her home in the village’s Ferry Road, along with Easter events and Christmas activities for local youngsters.

She said her current idea was one for all ages and would be an ideal way to keep participants physically and mentally healthy in lockdown.

READ MORE: 'I'm so proud': curtain falls on Rosneath lockdown garden stall project

Autumn said: “In previous years the school and other charities have been involved in improving the area so it would be lovely to carry on and maintain their hard work.

“The plan is to incorporate a nature trail, fairy and hobbit houses, bird houses, hedgehog and wildlife areas, wild flowers and plants, seating areas, ponds, waterfalls, and pathways, all whilst ensuring everything is dog and child friendly.

“And yes, this is a huge project. However it is nothing compared to all the hard work and sacrifices that our NHS and key workers have done and are continuing to do for us.”

Around £400 has been donated so far to a GoFundMe page set up for the project, with Autumn stating that she has no intention of applying for any grants to support the scheme.

READ MORE: Autumn is feeling festive as Rosneath community backs Christmas efforts

Happily, volunteers and offers of help have not been in short supply and the plan is now taking shape, with clearance work to remove debris from the woodland beginning and creative locals designing everything from hanging tree decorations, miniature bridges and hedgehog houses to painted stones, toadstools and insect homes.

Autumn continued: “Our NHS and key workers have not been given grants or handouts, yet most of them, who are on minimum wage, have given their blood, sweat, tears and some have even given their lives for us.

“It would be so easy to apply for a multitude of grants, pay for a workforce, machinery and materials, sit back and let a variety of companies do the work for us, but then it wouldn’t be our glen, nor would that show our appreciation.

“The glen was generously gifted to the community. With everyone getting involved, it becomes our glen again - somewhere we can be proud of, somewhere that can be respected, somewhere that expresses how grateful we are to those who have kept this country running.

READ MORE: Six of the best lockdown winter walking routes in Helensburgh and Lomond

“I would like to think that when it is completed, our local heroes will visit the glen for years to come and will always remember just how much we admire and respect them.

“We’ve already had a taster of what we can achieve by working as a community.

“Hopefully we can be the inspiration for other communities to follow in our steps.”

For more information on the project search for ‘Rosneath Events’ on Facebook or visit the fund-raising page at gf.me/u/zffz39.

Read more local headlines here