GREEN-FINGERED volunteers from the Royal Navy and Babcock have breathed new life into the overgrown grounds of a school in Helensburgh.

Duncan MacLennan, who is based at Faslane, organised a team of colleagues to get to work on the grounds of Parklands School over two days last month.

Duncan, a parent at Parklands, recognised it was time to do something about the grounds of the school, which had become overgrown during Covid – in particular the school’s sensory garden, which was no longer safe to use.

The 30-strong group spent two days completely transforming the grounds, cutting back undergrowth and removing damage done by vandals to make a vast difference in an incredibly short space of time.

The former well in the grounds was replaced by an apple tree provided by Craigend Nursery in Cardross, while raised beds were replaced by two sand pits and overgrown greenery was cut back to reveal hidden paths not used since before the pandemic.

Parklands School meets the needs of pupils aged 5 to 18 years with additional support needs of a severe or complex nature.

Head teacher Gwen Gilmour said: “The work completed was short of amazing. Huge thanks go to Duncan and his group who have made the area accessible again.

“We all recognise the benefits of being outside and we now have a fabulous tranquil area that all our pupils can access.

“Huge thanks also go to M&T Builders, Mather Tool Hire and Helensburgh Home Hardware as well as Craigend nursery who helped to provide tools and materials.

“We hope to establish a small ongoing gardening group to keep the garden in check. If you have any spare time and wish to get involved please contact the school.”