Anyone driving through Helston and out towards the Lizard Peninsula recently cannot have failed to notice a big project underway.

A new fence is being put around the perimeter of Helston's navy base RNAS Culdrose, also known as HMS Seahawk, to give it its naval name. 

But why is the new fence in different colours?

Now the Royal Navy has explained why some sections differ in colour to the dark green mesh being used for the majority of the new perimeter fence - with some panels a lighter green and others containing red and white sections. 

The fence around the naval base is mainly green, with red and white sections (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

A spokesperson for the air station revealed: “Most of the fence is dark green. Lighter green sections are of a different mesh which doesn’t affect our radars.

"Some sections have red and white panels. These have been placed at the ends of the runways as a visual marker for aircraft."

The project to replace the fencing has already been taking place for a number of months, so how much is left to do? 

“The project is almost complete and ahead of schedule. Just a few sections along the main road and some of the gates are still waiting to be done," added the spokesperson. 

The fence around the naval base is mainly green, with red and white sections (Image: RNAS Culdrose)

The work is being carried out by contractor Littlewood Fencing Group, as part of a wider project by Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Navy Command Infrastructure, Vivo Defence Services Ltd and the RNAS Culdrose Infrastructure Team.

The project has also included screening a parking area with a wooden fence and planting 6,600 trees, mostly at the southern end of the air station.

Fans of the old Sea King search and rescue helicopter that sits at the corner of the naval base, just off the Cottage Hospital Roundabout, need not fear. The beloved historic aircraft still remains in position - you just have to look slightly harder for it now.