In a recent collaboration that underscores the power of community partnership, idverde and Wiltshire Council have completed a significant project to improve accessibility at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s (WWT) Harbour Garden in Trowbridge. The Harbour Garden, a serene space within Green Lane Wood nature reserve, is an integral part of WWT’s Wild Transitions course, a programme aimed at supporting veterans by helping them connect with nature to boost their mental health.
Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and launched in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme, Wild Transitions uses the natural environment as a therapeutic tool. However, as participation grew, so did the need for improved access to the garden’s facilities. Recognising this, WWT turned to idverde, a prominent provider of landscaping services, for assistance.
With an office already established in Trowbridge, idverde was well acquainted with WWT’s valuable work. Upon assessing the garden, idverde, together with Wiltshire Council, quickly committed to providing all necessary materials, labour, and machinery to enhance the site. Within just a week, idverde’s team was on-site, tackling the project head-on during one of the hottest weeks of the year.
The team’s efforts included mowing and preparing the pathways, conducting thorough risk assessments, excavating and filling in paths to ensure they were smooth and easy to navigate, and resurfacing the area beneath a wooden gazebo to accommodate wheelchair users. In addition, the team tidied and connected various sections of the site, ensuring a seamless and accessible experience for all visitors.
Imogen Jackson, Wellbeing Programme Leader at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, expressed her gratitude for the improvements made:
“We are immensely grateful for idverde’s and Wiltshire Council’s support in transforming the Harbour Garden. Their expertise and generosity have made a world of difference to the accessibility of this important space. The improvements will not only benefit the veterans participating in our Wild Transitions course but also open up the garden to the wider community.”
Paul Ashman, Community Engagement Manager at idverde, highlighted the importance of such partnerships:
“We were pleased to be able to offer our support to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and improve the accessibility of the Harbour Garden. The Trust’s work to protect wildlife and bring people closer to nature throughout Wiltshire aligns with our own engagement programmes to make a positive impact on communities and outdoor spaces.”
The enhancements made to the Harbour Garden are expected to significantly benefit the veterans who attend the Wild Transitions course, ensuring the space is more inclusive and welcoming. Moreover, a new path branching off the main walkway now provides public access to a viewing screen, allowing more visitors to enjoy the garden’s natural beauty.
WWT volunteers and groups will continue to build on this work, focusing on tidying, reseeding, and planting efforts to further enrich the site. This successful collaboration between idverde and WWT stands as a testament to the positive outcomes that can be achieved when local businesses actively engage with their communities.
For more information on how your business can support Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, visit their website at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
