A GROUP of nursery children from the west end joined a housebuilder to lay the foundations of a long-term tree-planting project at Jordanhill Park.

CALA Homes West, whose new development is situated on the former Jordanhill College campus, has pledged to plant more than 400 trees over the course of the five-year build.

Twelve youngsters from nearby Westbourne Gardens Nursery were on-hand to help plant the first saplings last week, adding to the existing flora in the park.

They also had the chance to learn more about the bird and bat boxes CALA Homes will attach to the trees for the park’s native wildlife, thanks to the on-site ecologist.

David Sutherland, Project Director at Jordanhill Park, said: “We’re committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy for those who move into the area, and existing local residents.

“Aside from being the site of the historic Jordanhill College campus, the park is renowned for its spectacular greenery and views across the city, and it is our intention to retain as much of this as possible. This means planting 400 new trees – equivalent to the number of new homes being built – over the coming years.

“We’re delighted to be joined by the children of Westbourne Gardens Nursery, who have done a fantastic job in kicking things off by planting the first four trees. We look forward to seeing them come into bloom next spring.”

Jane Mitchell, headteacher at Westbourne Gardens Nursery, said: “We were thrilled to be invited along to take part in CALA’s ceremonial tree-planting. We are based just minutes from the development and the teachers and children see first-hand each day the changes on the site, so for the children to be invited along to take part in this historic occasion within their local community is a real treat.

“We’re very grateful to David and the team at CALA for inviting us along today. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the new trees as they grow, and I’m sure we’ll be back to visit in the spring to see the fruits of our labour.”