Members of Gartinny Nursery recently enjoyed an outdoors cooking experience in the woods near Alva.

The group, which is Scottish Autism’s vocational day service in Coalsnaughton, have a particular interest in the environment and local conservation.

At the event in Woodland Park, they were joined by members of The Conservation Volunteers and learned how to build a fire safely outdoors before toasting marshmallows and cooking bacon rolls over the open flames.

Tony Monir, practitioner at Scottish Autism, said: “The benefits gained by group members participating in conservation and outdoor pursuits include a sense of well-being that comes not only from overcoming challenges, breathing fresh air or spending time with nature, but also from knowing that they consistently contribute to local conservation in a meaningful way.

“We would like to thank The Conservation Volunteers for being part of what was a fantastic day in the great outdoors and a valuable learning experience.” The group from the nursery formed the Gartinny Nature Group and the latest event was just one of many initiatives in which they have teamed up with community organisations to learn about nature and tackle local projects.

The nature group has recently been shortlisted for The National Autistic Society’s Autism Professional Awards in the category of Most Creative Community Project.

Through their own environmental projects and network of community groups, The Conservation Volunteers help many people each year to reclaim local green spaces.

Peter Griffith, Gartinny Nature Group member, added: “I thought the day was excellent.

“I gathered twigs to help make a small fire. The cooking was really nice, having the marshmallows on a stick was good and the chocolate bananas were the best.” For more information, visit www.scottishautism.org or www.tcv.org.uk