One year ago, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust launched Wild Transitions, a 10-week nature-based-therapy programme for Veterans and Service Leavers living with mental health issues and social isolation.

Wild Transitions, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, was launched in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme and together they continue to offer sessions at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Green Lane Wood nature reserve in Trowbridge. The aim of the programme is to provide a space for veterans to connect with nature to improve their mental health and learn skills in the transition to volunteering and employment.

One year on, the established programme now has a purpose-built wooden gazebo for shelter as well as compost toilet facilities. So far, groups have begun to design a beautiful forest garden, which is now called ‘The Harbour Garden’, and have added a path and bridge. Participants have learnt skills in tree planting, seed sowing, tree maintenance, foraging, tool use, and pathway construction. They have also learnt a range of techniques to help manage mental wellbeing and have engaged in mindfulness in nature activities and nature inspired crafts, including whittling, creating ephemeral art and nature photography.

Open Days will take place on 19^th March 2024, 2:00pm – 3:30pm (spring) and 3^rd September (autumn). These will be informal drop-in session to meet the team, see the reserve and find out more about the programme. To register for an Open Day, email ImogenJ@wiltshirewildlife.org.

Course Dates:

Spring Course: Every Tuesday, 11am – 2pm, from 16^th April until 4^th June 2024

Autumn Course: Every Tuesday, 11am – 2pm, from 17^th September until 5^th November 2024

Sessions will be run by a qualified horticultural therapist and horticulturist. No previous gardening experience is required to participate, just a willingness to join a small group of like-minded people in a safe and secure location.

For more information about the Wild Transitions programme and to register, email ImogenJ@wiltshirewildlife.org.

Wild Transitions is just one of a host of wellbeing programmes run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The Trust has a well-established Swindon Wellbeing Programme, offering nature-based activities for people living with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, low mood and stress. The Trust has also recently launched two new programmes funded by Wiltshire Council: Wild Figures, a free six-week outdoor course to help improve number skills, wellbeing and connection to nature, and the Men’s Wellbeing Programme for men aged 20-59, a free 12-week programme to boost men’s mental and physical wellbeing out in nature. The Trust has also partnered with Dorothy House Hospice to increase nature connectedness and wellbeing for people diagnosed with a life limiting illness or experiencing grief after the death of a loved one.