Leaving the Armed Forces can be one of the biggest transitions in a person’s life. The structure, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that military life provides can suddenly disappear, leaving many veterans feeling isolated, disconnected, or unsure of where they fit next. 

For the last three years, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme, has been supporting veterans to reconnect - with nature, with other people, and often with themselves, through the Wild Transitions programme. Set in a secluded corner of a nature park beside an ancient woodland, Wild Transitions offered a welcoming outdoor space where veterans could slow down, learn practical skills, spend time outdoors, and share experiences with others who understood something of military life. Across ten weeks, participants took part in horticulture, conservation, green woodworking, campfire cooking, and nature-based wellbeing activities.

As the seasons changed, so did the garden - and many participants noticed changes in themselves too. Confidence grew alongside practical skills. Conversations became easier and friendships formed through shared activity and time spent together around the fire.

One veteran described the programme as: “Something that you will benefit from, no matter where you are.”

Growing a Living Legacy

At the heart of the programme was the creation of a forest garden, designed and built by participants. Veterans explored how forest gardens can support wildlife, food growing, and climate resilience, before helping to shape the space around their own ideas and experiences. For some, this meant creating a peaceful haven for future veterans to use. Others wanted to learn wildlife-friendly gardening techniques they could implement at home to create their own safe and restorative spaces. Many discovered new practical skills or rediscovered old ones, gaining confidence through contributing their knowledge and ideas.

Together, participants planted a living “woodhenge” of rowan, apple, pear and alder trees, chosen for their symbolism of courage, healing, wisdom, and resilience - as well as their value for wildlife, pollinators and food production. Later groups added growing spaces in a cartwheel design inspired by the Defence Gardens Scheme logo. Vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers grown in the garden were cooked and shared over the campfire, often a highlight of the sessions.

The programme also created opportunities for participants to leave a lasting mark on the site. Veterans helped build rustic seating from an oak felled in the woodland, a bird hide overlooking the orchard pond, handcrafted signage, and a large communal table that continues to bring people together. 

Importantly, the impact has continued well beyond the ten-week programme itself. A small group of former participants now meet regularly as volunteers, helping care for and develop the forest garden through seasonal tasks, wildlife habitat work, and practical conservation. Some participants are beginning to step into task leadership roles, supporting others and helping welcome new veterans into the space.

One participant reflected: “Wild Transitions slowed life down to a degree where you can talk, share, and be yourself.”

Another said: “I think anyone would benefit from the community that is on offer there.”

Thanks to the improvements made by the veterans, the garden is now better able to support a range of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Wellbeing and Education activities, including youth programmes, men’s groups, and other wellbeing groups. 

A New Programme for Veterans

Building on everything learned over the last three years, a new ten-week veterans programme, Wild Roots to Recovery, will begin this June at the Harbour Garden in Trowbridge (at our Green Lane Woods Nature Reserve). The programme will continue to offer veterans opportunities to connect with nature, learn practical outdoor skills, and spend time alongside others in a supportive and welcoming environment. For veterans wondering whether the programme is for them, one previous participant reflected: 

“It’s an experience they may not have had and may not know they need - but they do. This is a nice transition to get the balance from a regimented lifestyle with mission critical objectives… to being calmer and more appreciative of your own metronome, your own heartbeat, rather than being on constant alert.”

If you would like to find out more about the programme, or know someone who may benefit, please contact the Adult Wellbeing team at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust: email imogenj@wiltshirewildlife.org or phone 07702802961.