A fairy garden created by youngsters at a Renfrew nursery is spreading happiness among all generations in the town.
Kids at Insafe Hands nursery designed a fairy garden in Robertson Park in February as part of Children’s Mental Health Week.
Initially created as an outlet for children who were then unable to attend nursery under lockdown restrictions, the garden features fairy doors and toadstools, signs with feel-good messages and painted stones.
It has since caught the attention of everyone who visits the park, no matter their age.
The Albert Road childcare centre, which uses the neighbouring green space and play park almost every day, says it has been inundated with messages from families who visit the ‘fairies’ and older people who love seeing the children’s joy and laughter.
Gemma Williams, manager of Insafe Hands said: “The community spirit has been fantastic.
“Over Easter, one Renfrew resident who has been shielding for a year and only doing a morning walk to the park attached 50 little treats around the park for the children.
“We had another resident who left eggs and another who left Easter Malteser rabbits for the children to find, which was so touching and shows the fairy garden has really caught the imagination of adults in the community as well as the youngsters.”
She added: “We are also so grateful for their generosity and delighted to see the garden is bringing the community together in these difficult times.”
The garden is also now being used by other nurseries in the area, which Gemma says she is delighted to see.
Continuing the theme of community spirit, Insafe Hands organised its own Easter egg hunt for children featuring a host of items from local businesses.
A total of 25 treat bags featuring hot chocolate rabbits made by Sweet Tooth - the lockdown business set up by 15-year-old Renfrew girl Lucy Ireland - and tags made by another small business OJ Bows ensured the event was a truly community affair.
Children attending Insafe Hands were inspired to start the fairy garden after exploring the topics of friendship, loneliness and isolation as part of Children’s Mental Health Week 2021.
The week-long campaign was held from February 1 to 7 with the theme of ‘Express Yourself’.
