Brent
From unsure to conservationist, Brent found a new purpose through DGS. Brent is a Royal Marine (RM) who sustained life changing injuries in service. While he was in recovery at Haslar, the RM recovery centre, he discovered DGS at Eden. Intrigued but unsure of what to expect, he decided to join the 10-week programme, which became a transformative experience.
He networked with like-minded individuals, gained practical skills, and developed insights into his interests and abilities. The structured sessions, coupled with the therapeutic benefits of working outdoors, reignited his passion for the environment and gave him a clear sense of direction for his career. During the penultimate session, everything crystallised: being outdoors, collaborating with people, and engaging in activities like cooking, gardening, and woodwork brought him a profound sense of calm and fulfilment that he wanted to carry into his professional life.
Reflecting on his time as a RM, Brent recognised how his military experiences had always intertwined with environmental protection, whether preserving greenery, minimising footprints during deployments, or planting memorial gardens to honour fallen soldiers. DGS harnessed and focused these experiences, helping him pinpoint a passion for environmental health and safety as the next chapter in his career.
For Brent, this was one of the most profound impacts:
“I’ve got a place I can fit in; I’ve found a purpose… and the Defence Garden Scheme really helped me channel my interest. I’m really excited about it.”
Having members of the DGS leadership team join them to present certificates and celebrate their achievements gave him a profound sense of wellbeing, pride and togetherness;