Arrochar School
A small school in the heart of a community on the edge of Loch Lomand gives children access to some of its surrounding wonders.
The people
Shell volunteers help out
Sue Furness (PTA group) reports on progress so far...
"As a group of amateurs, this all seemed a bit daunting, but with plenty of help and advice from the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park rangers, we came up with a workable plan"
Help has been coming in from everywhere. A local landscaping company lent the use of their shredder to chip wood cut down by volunteers. Some has been left in piles for wildlife. The Royal Marines (Fleet Protection Group) sent a large group of very able men who cleared rubble, dug out roots and generally levelled the ground.
Local quarries supplied stones (some free of charge) and one of the local hotels even provided sandwiches for the hungry Marines. Not only that but a local potter has agreed to provide workshops for the children to make tiles to decorate the garden with.
"We've been impressed by people's willingness to muck in and help out, and by the generosity of local businesses."
The place
The start of site clearance
Despite its glorious position in Scotland, the school was beset by maintenance problems and flooding from a burn running into Loch Lomond. The school’s PTA group joined forces to find a way to create a new place for the children and the locals to enjoy together.
"We wanted to give the children access to a green space, somewhere where they can hide and play and sit down."
This was what motivated them to apply for the Breathing Places Big Lottery grant last year and the patch of derelict land adjacent to the playground is now being renovated to create their own wildlife haven.
"Work is now starting on an area of decking, which will allow access above the area that will still flood and will provide a brilliant seating area for all sorts of outdoor activities."
