The project, led by Morris & Spottiswood operations director, David Thorn, was undertaken as part of the company’s community benefits delivery in relation to its appointment to two North Lanarkshire-based frameworks.

Working on a segregated section at a time to allow play to continue during the build, the team of seven upgraded a large section of tarmac and small areas of mud and grass into a fully functioning play garden.

Along with new foundations and landscaping, the area has been totally transformed, with features including a sensory path of different materials and textures; a large sand pit; a working mud kitchen with tap and drainage; and a timber shelter to allow for all-weather use.

All parts of the project were created by the Morris & Spottiswood team using natural materials, including bamboo shoot funnels in the sand pit, log seats, and a sensory path made from varying types of leftover materials from other Morris & Spottiswood sites such as slabs, decorative stones and decking. As well as a superior build quality, the natural materials are environmentally friendly, non-toxic, and encourage creativity and imaginative play.

The outdoor area of the nursery had deteriorated significantly due to harsh winters and lack of investment. The nursery Parent Committee was formed in 2022 with a goal of raising funds to improve the garden. The Committee, with generous support of nursery families and local businesses, worked tirelessly over 18 months to hold fundraising events. Despite this effort, the amount of investment needed to revitalise the nursery garden had been prohibitive.

The project was undertaken during the Easter holidays to minimise disruption to the children and despite poor weather conditions, it was completed in four weeks.

David Thorn said: “This was a truly fantastic project to work on. I knew the garden needed an overhaul and that we’d be able to make a real difference. The change in the garden is incredible to see and all the team loved working on it. The kids enjoyed the entire process, from waving at the diggers on site, to getting involved at the very end to add the finishing touches. It was a very rewarding few weeks of work and it was a joy to see all the happy faces with the result.”

Nicole McGillivray, head of centre at Stepping Stones FLC, added: “We are extremely grateful for the hard work and dedication that Morris & Spottiswood has provided to help achieve such a fantastic learning space for our children. It has created a foundation that will offer high quality learning experiences not only this year, but in years to come. There has been a spark ignited again for outdoor learning and curiosity in our children which has been amazing to witness.”

Collette Walker, co-chair of the Parent Committee, commented: “We can’t thank Morris & Spottiswood enough for what they have created. We would never have achieved anything of this level without David and his team. It was a brilliant experience all round. The team were more than accommodating and the end result is incredible. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”