Welcome to the DGS Summer Newsletter

Summer 2026 is a significant moment for the Defence Gardens Scheme. Across the UK, programmes that were in development just a year ago are now in full delivery, veterans are gaining qualifications, forming new friendships and finding renewed purpose through nature-based therapeutic horticulture. The stories in this newsletter capture something of that journey: from the remarkable resilience shown by participants at HMP Maghaberry in Northern Ireland and in Scotland to the quiet magic of a spring morning beneath the giant redwoods at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to Highland Roots beginning to take root across the Highlands and Islands.

What strikes me most on a weekly basis, as we plan, deliver and evaluate the DGS programme and on reading these updates, is the quality of the people delivering this work. Our practitioners, project managers and the garden delivery partners bring not just professional skill but genuine care. This steady and continuous care is clear in all the feedback we receive.

We are also delighted to share something we have been working on behind the scenes. Growing Champions is our developing programme, that from September, will be supporting veterans who wish to become community growing leaders and peer mentors.

With all best wishes for a productive growing season over the Summer.

Sally Coulthard MBE
Founder CEO DGS

DGS Operations - An Overview

A key success during this period has been the continued expansion of programmes through new and established partnerships. We have strengthened collaboration with Valour SW, London and Cornwall, ensuring provision is aligned to regional need and embedded within trusted local networks. In Scotland, delivery continues to grow through The Seedbox, Erskine Veterans Centre Forres and Cultivate & Connect at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

Our work within the criminal justice system remains a significant strand of delivery. The programme at HMP Maghaberry (NI) continues to support veterans in a challenging environment with early evidence of positive behavioural and wellbeing outcomes. We are also progressing opportunities to expand this provision with HMP Barlinnie, Glasgow, a potential next step. Participants in our criminal justice programmes will earn City & Guilds Level 1 and 2 qualifications in Horticulture - a meaningful step that enables veterans to leave with recognised credentials and pursue employment with confidence. Our thanks to the Veterans Foundation for making this possible.

Looking ahead, DGS is well positioned for sustained growth. Three-year delivery at Arundells Garden, Salisbury under the Crisis & Resilience Fund will develop the Growing Champions pathway enabling veterans to transition into community contributors. Monthly Growing Futures - Cultivate & Connect sessions for Royal Marine families at the George Messenger Centre, Lympstone further broaden our offer to service families.

This represents only a snapshot of DGS delivery, we are now operating with confidence, strong partnerships and a clear trajectory for long-term impact.

Charlie Marno
Operations Manager

Seeds of Change - Growing Skills, Confidence and Purpose

The Seeds of Change programme at HMP Maghaberry continues to make excellent progress as veterans work towards their City & Guilds Level 1 & 2 Practical Horticulture qualification.

In May, DGS Scotland's Pip Delamere-Wright visited both HMP Maghaberry and The Somme Garden as part of the Defence Gardens Scheme's City & Guilds accreditation process. The visit provided an opportunity to observe the programme in action and see first-hand the positive impact therapeutic horticulture is having on participants.

Over recent weeks, participants have developed skills in plant propagation, soil preparation, pruning, turf care, planting and garden design. Learning takes place through hands-on activities that not only build horticultural knowledge but also encourage teamwork, confidence and personal development.

Despite some challenges and changes to the garden spaces available the group has shown remarkable adaptability and resilience. Veterans have taken increasing ownership of their learning, with those who have mastered new skills supporting and teaching others within the group.

Feedback continues to highlight the positive impact of the programme. Participants describe feeling a sense of achievement, enjoyment and connection, whilst prison staff have observed stronger social bonds, increased confidence and improved wellbeing amongst those attending.

As the programme progresses, veterans continue to build practical skills, gain recognised qualifications and develop a renewed sense of purpose through therapeutic horticulture and nature-based learning.

Deborah MacDonald
Horticultural Practitioner

The Somme Nursing Home - Growing Together

The Cultivate & Connect sessions at the Somme Nursing Home continue to bring veterans together through gardening, creativity and shared purpose.

Recent weeks have seen participants preparing beds, planting a chamomile lawn, creating wellbeing structures within the garden and contributing to the development of Charlie's "No Man's Land" area. Veterans have also welcomed support from volunteers, including local community members who have helped install features created by veterans at HMP Maghaberry.

As always, the sessions provide more than gardening alone. Activities are designed to encourage connection, learning, mindfulness and wellbeing, with participants regularly reflecting on how spending time outdoors and working together positively impacts their week.

With the garden continuing to evolve, participants take great pride in seeing the results of their efforts and in contributing to a space that supports both remembrance and wellbeing.

Deborah MacDonald
Horticultural Practitioner

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh - Cultivate and Connect

South Scotland's first Cultivate & Connect workshop of 2026 took place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh bringing together members of the Armed Forces community for a day of nature connection, learning and wellbeing.

Led by Community Engagement Managers Amy and Jenny, participants explored the spring gardens through a series of mindful activities and guided walks. From standing beneath giant redwoods to examining the intricate details of plants through magnifying lenses, the session encouraged reflection on resilience, growth and renewal.

Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with many expressing an interest in returning to experience the gardens in different seasons. New connections were made, stories shared and participants left feeling inspired by the restorative power of nature.

The workshop marked a successful start to the 2026 Cultivate & Connect programme in Scotland.

Sallie Sillars
Project Manager Southern Scotland

Highland Roots - Building Momentum

Since securing three years of funding through the Scottish Government Veterans Fund this year, Highland Roots has continued to build momentum across the Highlands and Islands.

Over the spring work has focused on developing partnerships, establishing referral pathways and engaging with organisations that support the Armed Forces community.

A significant milestone has been the development of our partnership with The Seed Box at Glen Tanar Walled Garden in Royal Deeside. Together we have been preparing for the launch of the first 10-week Highland Roots programme and recently welcomed referral partners to learn more about the opportunities available.

As we move into summer, our focus shifts from planning to delivery. We look forward to welcoming participants, gathering feedback and sharing the impact of Highland Roots as the programme develops across Scotland.

Pip Delamere-Wright
Highlands and Islands Project Manager

Coming Up in Scotland

Highland Roots – The Seed Box, Glen Tanar
Our ten-week Highland Roots programme is now underway, offering veterans and members of the Armed Forces community the opportunity to improve wellbeing, build confidence and reconnect through therapeutic horticulture and nature-based activities.

Cultivate & Connect – Naturally Useful, Forres
This summer we're delighted to be partnering with Naturally Useful to deliver two outdoor Cultivate & Connect workshops, combining nature connection, creativity and wellbeing in the beautiful surroundings of Marcassie Farm.

Healing Roots – Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Our bi-monthly Healing Roots workshops continue at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, bringing members of the Armed Forces community together through seasonal gardening activities, learning and peer support.

For more information about any of our Scottish programmes, please email: pip@defencegardens.org

Southwest Update

This spring, the Defence Gardens Scheme became one of the first VALOUR Recognised Centres, joining seven military charities within the ALABARÉ VALOUR Hub to strengthen support for veterans and their families across the Southwest.

Through nature-based wellbeing, therapeutic horticulture and skills development, DGS continues to create opportunities for members of the Armed Forces community to improve wellbeing, build confidence and reconnect with others.

Coming Up in the Southwest

Cultivating Connections – Royal Hospital Chelsea
Monthly gardening and nature-based wellbeing workshops continue on the second Tuesday of each month for the Armed Forces community. To book, email veteransoutreach@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk.

Growing Futures Southwest – Arundells, Salisbury
Three workshops this summer (2 July, 16 July and 3 September) in partnership with Wiltshire Council, focusing on practical growing skills, healthy eating and community connection. To book, email southwestvalour@alabare.co.uk.

Growing Futures – Gordon Messenger Centre, Lympstone
Launching on 7 July, this new monthly programme combines nature-based wellbeing, horticultural skills and employment support in partnership with The Poppy Factory.

Wild Roots to Recovery – Wiltshire
Launching this autumn, our flagship ten-week programme with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will support members of the Armed Forces community to improve wellbeing, confidence and connection through therapeutic horticulture and nature-based activities.