The Thiepval Wood Project

A Garden of Remembrance at the Somme Nursing Home

How veterans transformed a piece of land into a place of remembrance, healing and hope

On 1 July 2026, the Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS), alongside partners, veterans, volunteers and supporters, celebrated the official opening of The Thiepval Wood Project at the Somme Nursing Home in Belfast.

Created to mark the 110th anniversary of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the project is much more than a commemorative garden. It is a living memorial where remembrance, education, therapeutic horticulture and wellbeing come together in a place designed to inspire reflection, connection and hope.

Despite persistent rain throughout the ceremony, around 150 guests gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievement of everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. It was a fitting tribute to those who served and a celebration of what can be achieved when communities work together.

From an Idea to a Living Memorial

The Thiepval Wood Project did not begin as a stand-alone initiative. It grew naturally from the Defence Gardens Scheme's ongoing work at the Somme Nursing Home, where veterans, service leavers and military family members have been transforming the grounds since late 2022. Together they created thriving horticultural spaces that became places of friendship, purpose and shared recovery.

As the garden evolved, so too did the ambition of those involved. Veterans wanted to create something that reflected the site's unique military heritage while providing a lasting place of remembrance for future generations.

With the support of the Executive Director of the Somme Nursing Home, Charlie Marno, National Operations Manager for the Defence Gardens Scheme, invited therapeutic garden designer Deborah McDonald to help transform that vision into reality. Together with veterans, volunteers and supporters, they created a unique living memorial inspired by the trench systems of Thiepval Wood and the sacrifice of the 36th (Ulster) Division.

Funding for the project was secured through the Veterans' Foundation, whose early belief in the vision enabled work to begin. Their support has been instrumental in creating a space that will continue to benefit veterans, residents and visitors for many years to come.

Designed with Meaning

Every feature of the Thiepval Wood Project has been carefully considered.

The Somme Nursing Home - Growing Together

Deborah McDonald's design combines evidence-based therapeutic landscape principles with the powerful history of the Somme. Inspired by the original trench maps of Thiepval Wood, the layout encourages visitors to experience a journey through remembrance while creating an accessible and restorative environment for reflection.

The planting tells its own story through the language of flowers. Red Poppies are a symbol of Remembrance for all,  the white poppies in the garden are for the Conscientious Objectors who regularly lifted bodies from no man's land. Black poppies acknowledge the contribution of Black servicemen, whose service has too often been overlooked. Throughout the garden, every plant has been selected not only for its beauty but also for the meaning it conveys.

Visitors are welcomed through timber arbours before following accessible pathways that reveal quiet seating areas, wildlife habitats, woodland trails and spaces for contemplation. Along the route, sculptures, restored materials from the historic estate and biodiversity projects encourage moments of discovery while reflecting the principles of therapeutic horticulture.

The result is a garden that not only remembers the past but actively supports the wellbeing of those who spend time within it.

Opening Day

The official opening brought together representatives from across the Armed Forces community, charitable organisations, local businesses, volunteers and supporters.

The garden was formally opened by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle DBE DStJ DDL (Hon QUB), marking an important milestone in the life of the project.

For everyone involved, the day was an opportunity to celebrate not only a completed garden but the dedication, generosity and determination that had brought it to life.

Brig ( retd ) Robin Bacon, Chairman of the Defence Gardens Scheme, reflected on the occasion afterwards:

"The extraordinary efforts of Deborah, Charlie and a host of volunteers were warmly appreciated. Deborah's explanation of the thoughtful planting and meaningful design was totally inspirational. They and their team worked incredibly hard to bring this project to completion."

His reflections captured what many guests experienced throughout the day: admiration for a project where every feature has meaning and every pathway tells part of a wider story.

Thank You

The Defence Gardens Scheme extends its sincere thanks to everyone who helped make the Thiepval Wood Project possible.

In particular, we thank:

• The Directors, Trustees and Executive Director of the Somme Nursing Home.

• The Veterans' Foundation for their belief in the project and generous financial support.

• Deborah McDonald for her exceptional vision, creativity and therapeutic garden design.

• Charlie Marno for leading the project from concept to completion.

• RA Johnston Building Contractors for their practical support and equipment.

• Delwyn Thompson for generously supplying timber used throughout the garden.

• Sarah Kelling and the Veterans' Foundation team.

• Paul McCann for his outstanding contribution to the construction part of the build.

• Royal Signals Association (Northern Ireland Branch) - for their very kind donation which paid for two soldier silhouettes

• Blind Veterans UK and every veteran, volunteer and supporter who contributed their time, skills and enthusiasm.

Looking Ahead

The Thiepval Wood Project is more than a completed garden - it is a living legacy. As the planting matures and the garden continues to evolve, it will remain a place where veterans, residents, families and visitors can remember the past, connect with nature and experience the restorative power of therapeutic horticulture. If you are visiting Belfast in the future we hope you will take time to visit.