Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has announced the launch of Wild Transitions, a new 10-week nature-based-therapy programme for Veterans and Service Leavers living with mental health issues and social isolation, which will take place at Green Lane Wood nature reserve, Trowbridge, from April.

Wild Transitions, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, has been launched in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme. 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.

Participants will have the opportunity to work together to design and create a beautiful forest garden, as well as take part in other eco-therapy activities, including food growing and cooking, practical conservation, crafts, green woodwork, mindfulness in nature, nature ID skills and interpersonal skills.

Open Days will take place on 28^th March 2023, 11am – 2pm and on 1^st Aug 2023, 11am – 2pm. These will be informal drop-in sessions to meet the team, see the reserve and find out more about the programme. To register for an Open Day, email rachel@defencegardens.org.

Course Dates:

Spring Course: Every Tuesday, 11am – 2pm, from 18^th April until 6^th June 2023

Autumn Course: Every Tuesday, 11am – 2pm, from 5^th September until 24^th October 2023

Sessions will be run by a qualified horticultural therapist and horticulturist, and no previous gardening experience is required to participate.

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