Partners join forces to improve access to Trowbridge’s Harbour Garden

Idverde and Wiltshire Council demonstrated their commitment to community engagement by completing a vital project for the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

The project focused on improving accessibility at the Harbour Garden at the Green Lane Wood nature reserve in Trowbridge.

The garden provides a vital space for WWT's Wild Transitions course, designed to support ex-services veterans and connect them with nature to improve their mental health.

Wild Transitions, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, was launched in partnership with the Defence Gardens Scheme and together they continue to offer sessions to create a beautiful forest garden at the nature reserve. 

The project will improve access to The Harbour Garden for visiting ex-service veterans. (Image: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust)

Imogen Jackson, wellbeing programme leader at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said: "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."

Following an initial site visit to assess the scope of the project, idverde and Wiltshire Council offered to provide all necessary materials, labour, and machinery to complete the project.

 The idverde team mowed and prepared the pathways, conducted thorough risk assessments, excavated and filled in pathways to ensure smooth navigation.

They also resurfaced the area beneath the wooden gazebo to accommodate wheelchair users and tidied and connected various areas of the site for a seamless experience.

The idverde project team work on one of the pathways at The Harbour Garden in Trowbridge. (Image: Wiltshire Wildlife Trust)

 Paul Ashman, community engagement manager at idverde, said: "We were pleased to be able to offer our support to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and improve the accessibility of the Harbour Garden.

“The Trusts 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 enhanced accessibility of the Harbour Garden will significantly benefit veterans participating in the Wild Transitions course, ensuring a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Additionally, a new path branching off the main pathway now provides public access to the viewing screen, opening up the garden's beauty to a wider audience.

WWT volunteers and groups will continue to enhance the site further through tidying, reseeding, and planting efforts.