St Albans firefighters volunteer to spruce up nursery garden

The new garden at Nuffy Bear. Picture: Tiffany Ballard (Image: Archant)

Nuffy Bear Day Nursery has thanked St Albans Fire Station Green Watch for volunteering to clear the outside space of worn and broken toys, put together sandboxes and spruce up the green space.

The crew are returning again at a later date to perfect the finishing touches, which include installing a bamboo water feature and putting up weather signs along the fencing.

Now, all 48 children who attend the nursery can enjoy the revamped garden.

Deputy manager at Nuffy Bear, Tiffany Ballard, said: “The children love it, honestly, we couldn’t ask for anything more.

“It’s great that they came down to help the community and us and make the best environment for our children.

“If we would have got someone else to clear the garden it would have cost a fortune.

“They are still helping us but so far we are more than happy, the children love it.”

Crew members found out about the project because one of the team has children who attend the nursery.

Tiffany added: “The fire crew have been amazing and always so supportive when they can with our nursery and anything they can help with.

“We cannot thank them enough for all the hard work they put in to help not only the community but also helping ensure different environments and surrounds for our children.”

Nuffy Bear is part of the Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Gym on Highfield Park Drive - it looks after children from 12 weeks to five years.

Crew commander of Green Watch St Albans, Sam Ledger, said: “Obviously it is a community event, and we managed to find a slot to fit them in, so we went down and put together some toys and filled a skip for them.

“I think they were very pleased, lots of these places are understaffed so finding time to do it can be difficult - so lending a hand was much appreciated.”

He said the firefighters try to take part in as many community events as possible, especially if it is for a good cause.