More than 30 students and volunteers learnt about one of the island’s national parks while they gave it a facelift.

A group from the Mirrors Programme joined members of the Hamilton Lions Club for a clean-up at Southlands Estate in Warwick.

Their goal was to clear natural debris, trash and abandoned furniture from the park, as well as to share knowledge about the history of the park and its endemic and invasive plants and trees.

Kim Jackson, the Mirrors Programme manager, said: “Our service day is a wonderful opportunity for us to spend time with members of the community who are united with us to support Bermuda’s young people and preserve Bermuda’s architectural and ecological heritage.

“Only through the power of community can we preserve the finer elements of our heritage and pass them on to a younger generation empowered with the skills to protect them and bear them into the future.”

Mirrors aims to help young people reach their potential and promotes healthy relationships as well as positive contributions to society.

A total of 33 students, volunteer life coaches and community volunteers joined the Hamilton Lions Club members for the event last Saturday.

Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, congratulated the programme for continuing its 12-year tradition of demonstrating the benefits of giving back to the community.

She said: “Since 2007, Mirrors students have engaged in completing a service project.

“I am pleased that this year Mirrors chose to partner with the Department of Parks to clean Southlands for the enjoyment of our fellow Bermudians and visitors.

“Our island home is world-renowned for its cleanliness and beauty. As Bermudians, we take great pride in that fact and, as we know, it requires all of us to do our part to keep that stellar reputation. Thank you for volunteering.”

Craig Burt, the acting director for the parks department, said: “We are really passionate about maintaining the ecological heritage of this park and preserving it for the enjoyment of future Bermudians and tourists alike.

“We are grateful for the partnership of the Mirrors Programme for pushing this project forward.”

For more information about volunteering or enrolling your child into the programme, contact Nicola Paugh, the Mirrors office manager at nmpaugh@gov.bm, phone 294-9291 or visit www.mirrors.bm.