By Monica Gibson

CHILDREN of all ages were able to let their imaginations run wild as they created their very own dens.

Youngsters got their hands dirty at the event at Barrhead Water Works, making canopies out of leaves, sticks, bedding and anything else they could find to build the gang hut.

The fun was part of the ‘Growing Up Wild’ activities programme being staged at the Water Works, in partnership with Outlet: Play Resource.

The initiative aims to encourage people to make best use of their green spaces by sowing and growing wild flowers and sharing their results with friends, family and the wider community.

After the den-building activities, families were able to gather round a campfire to enjoy some smores - a treat that is popular in the United States and consists of marshmallows and chocolate.

Jackie Meager, who is a director with Outlet: Play Resource, was delighted with the success of the den-building event.

She told the Barrhead News: “It was a great event and the weather made it.

“Mostly in families, the groups set about making their dens, which were all completely different.

“I have to say that some of the dads really got into it too, so the dens became quite elaborate, but everyone had a great time.”

The Water Works was transformed from an old sewage site thanks to a £130,000 boost from the Big Lottery Fund and assistance from East Renfrewshire Council.

Hundreds of volunteers transformed the site by removing rubbish, spreading 500 tonnes of soil, planting 16,000 wild flowers and laying 350 metres of path.

Jackie added: “Around 70 per cent of the people who have come along to the Water Works summer programme this year have not been from Barrhead, so it is a really good way of getting people into the area.

“The site is just perfect for getting everyone’s imaginations running and, after all the hard work is done, we try to sit down and have smores. The kids love it.”

Click here to find out about future events taking place at the Barrhead Water Works.