Defence Gardens Scheme

Defence Gardens Scheme is a UK-based nonprofit organisation delivering nature-based therapy programmes for the Armed Forces community, including service leavers, veterans, and their families. Operating nationwide with established gardens across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, DGS harnesses the restorative power of horticultural therapy to support mental health, wellbeing, and recovery for military personnel and their dependents. The organisation combines evidence-based horticultural therapy with structured wellness programmes, specialist therapist training, and research partnerships with universities and NHS bodies to measure clinical outcomes and strengthen the evidence base for social and therapeutic horticulture.

DGS delivers resilience and recovery courses, wellbeing workshops, and green prescribing services in community gardens and prison settings, working collaboratively with the Ministry of Defence, NHS trusts, defence organisations, and environmental partners. Founded in 2019 as a Community Interest Company, the scheme focuses on three core pillars: delivering therapeutic programmes that build coping mechanisms and attachment skills; forming strategic partnerships across health, environment, and heritage sectors; and conducting rigorous research to demonstrate the wider social value of green care. Participants develop practical skills for managing long-term mental and physical wellbeing, with documented outcomes showing increased resilience, social connection, and improved family relationships.

The organisation actively supports the employment of service leavers and veterans within its own operations and promotes the Armed Forces Covenant across partner organisations.