Scotland
Highland Roots
Highland Roots is Defence Gardens Scheme's initiative across the Highlands of Scotland, developed with funding from the Scottish Government's Scottish Veterans Fund and Officers’ Association Scotland.
The project is building a fully collaborative Hub and Spoke model for the delivery and evaluation of nature-based therapy, bringing bespoke horticultural therapy to the Armed Forces community across one of Scotland's most rural and dispersed regions. For veterans and their families living far from established support networks, Highland Roots creates a structured pathway into practical growing skills, mindfulness and peer connection.
For more information please reach out to the DGS Project Co-Ordinator Highland Roots: pip@defencegardens.org
Healing Roots
Healing Roots brings Defence Gardens Scheme's nature-based therapy into one of Scotland's most special places: the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
For centuries, gardens like this have been used to help people heal. Now, veterans and their families are part of that story too, spending time among RBGE's grounds and gardens while working through DGS's programme of hands-on gardening, mindfulness and connection.
The delivery team will be led by DGS and RBGE staff, for further information please contact the DGS Project Manager Southern Scotland: sal@defencegardens.org
HMP Scotland
In Spring 2025, DGS was awarded a Veterans' Foundation Major Grant, to enable further development and evaluation of our in-prison, Seeds of Change, 10-week programme.
Through this grant DGS have been accredited as an Approved City and Guilds Centre and will be delivering Levels 1 & 2 Horticulture, at HMP Maghaberry, NI and by working with the other Major Grant holders to ensure cohesive and collaborative planning, begin Seeds of Change delivery in Scotland.
DGS are committed to the support and progression of veterans who have found themselves part of the Criminal Justice System and are members of the Cobseo Justice Cluster and Veterans Scotland Justice Working Group.
The Seed Box
Highland Roots at Glen Tanar Walled Garden is a relaxed, supportive Defence Garden Scheme 10-week nature-based programme, delivered by The Seed Box and funded by the Scottish Veterans Fund.
What to expect:
• Food growing and seasonal gardening
• Practical conservation activities
• Simple crafts and green skills
• Mindfulness in nature
• Nature connection and identification
To learn more about this programme, please email pip@defencegardens.org
Thrive Together Scotland
DGS is a proud member of Scotland’s Veterans’ Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) being delivered as part of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s (AFCFT) Thrive Together Programme. This is a developing eco-system of organisations ready to support the Armed Forces Community, to reduce the stigma around help-seeking behaviour and help Service Leavers and their families to live well and thrive in communities which embrace their knowledge, skills and potential.
Online Wellbeing Hub for Veterans and Families | Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance
Episode 1 – When You Can’t Just ‘Crack On’ | Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance
