Partnerships

Collaborating to deliver people-centred, place-based impact 

The Defence Gardens Scheme works in partnership with leading education institutions, defence industry organisations and trusted delivery partners to deliver high-quality programmes, advance research in nature-based therapy, and create lasting benefit for veterans, serving personnel and their communities. 

Our partnerships are built on shared purpose, professional integrity and a commitment to long-term impact. 

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Our Approach 

People. Place. Purpose. Delivered together. 

The Defence Gardens Scheme operates through a collaborative partnership model that brings together: 

  • Education and research partners to strengthen professional practice and build the evidence base 

  • Corporate partners to support delivery, innovation and measurable social value 

  • Delivery partners to host and co-deliver programmes in community and heritage settings 

This integrated approach allows us to scale responsibly while maintaining quality, consistency and local relevance. 

Two men shaking hands outdoors, one handing a certificate to the other, with trees and a wooden bench in the background.

Education & Research Partners 

DGS works with respected education institutions to ensure our programmes are credible, transferable and evidence-informed. 

  • Royal Horticultural Society
    The RHS is the UKs gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow              

  • City & Guilds
    Supporting accredited vocational learning pathways in social and therapeutic horticulture. 

  • Edinburgh Napier University
    Academic partnership supporting evaluation, research design and evidence generation in nature-based therapy. 

Corporate Partners 

Our corporate partners support programme delivery and development while aligning with defence-sector commitments to wellbeing, skills, sustainability and community resilience. 

  • Airbus

  • BAE Systems

Delivery Partners 

Our delivery partners are at the heart of the Defence Gardens Scheme, hosting and co-delivering programmes in trusted community, heritage and wellbeing settings. 

England
The Eden Project
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Scotland
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Op CAIRNGORMS
Erskine Veterans Centre Forres

Northern Ireland
Ashes to Gold
Somme Nursing Home
HMP Maghaberry
Brooke House

Wales
Woodys Lodge

Group of people working together planting or gardening in an outdoor urban setting, with trees and buildings in the background.

Working With Us 

As the Defence Gardens Scheme grows, we are actively seeking new partners to: 

  • Deliver programmes in community, heritage and green spaces 

  • Collaborate on research and evaluation in nature-based therapy 

  • Develop regional and place-based centres of excellence 

  • Align social value investment with long-term, measurable outcomes 

We welcome partners who value collaboration, learning and shared impact.

Two hands gently holding yellow flowering plant outdoors, surrounded by green foliage.

Partner With Us 

Together, we grow people, places and purpose. 

If you are interested in partnering with the Defence Gardens Scheme, we would welcome a conversation. 

partner with us
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Branding

If you would like to use our logo or other materials for your marketing materials, please get in touch and we would be happy to supply them.

get in touch

“The learning and skills that Veterans gain from the programme are really useful to help them think about what they want to do next. They realise they can do something with what they’ve already got and it’s important we work with them in this follow-on period.”

— Referral Partner