A 'sanctuary garden' for military veterans has been built near the Lympstone Commando Training Centre in just eight days by a team of volunteers - some of whom had never used tools before. 

The garden at the Gordon Messenger Centre, opposite the military training base, is a multi-functional, wheelchair accessible space involving sensory elements, a fire area and a water feature, a growing garden, seating and sheltered areas including a greenhouse and an outdoor kitchen.  

The project was the first of its kind in the UK and will provide a much-needed therapeutic garden for local and visiting, veterans, and their families. 

It was funded by the Devon branch of SSAFA, The Armed Forces Charity, and RMA - The Royal Marines Charity. The initiative was managed by the international community development company Splash Projects, who worked with a committee of veterans to come up with the design for the garden.

A team of eight facilitators from Splash Projects taught and supervised a group of around 20 volunteers a day as they carried out the building work. People of all abilities, including veterans, were able to take part, learning new skills while giving back to the wider military in their community.

Project manager Pete Simmons said: “Most of the volunteers had never used tools before, so everyone was out of their comfort zones, but all of them learned something new and helped create something amazing. If it wasn’t for the volunteers, who worked so hard and didn’t shy away from anything, we’d still be there now.” 

Mark Tyrrell‑Smith, Chair of SSAFA Devon, said: “Anybody can pay someone to build a garden, but working with Splash Projects enabled unskilled volunteers, veterans and families to come together, supervised by Splash, to build a stunning garden and make a lasting difference.  

“The project has been supported by so many others; their generosity has been humbling. 

 “This has been a unique experience for SSAFA Devon, testing the concept of social investment as part of a national trial. We are always looking for volunteers, and anyone interested should visit the SSAFA Devon website to get involved and make a difference.”  

Lisa-Joy Peake, GMC Manager, said: “We are so grateful to all those who generously gave their time, resources and unwavering support to make this project a reality. 

“The garden is a testament to what can be achieved when individuals, organisations and communities join forces to achieve a common goal.” 

Most of the funding for the project came from a generous legacy gift by former SSAFA Devon volunteer June Best in 2022. 

A host of businesses including Vistry Group, Champion Groundworks, Barclays Bank Exeter, Western Counties Roofing, Fenster, Jewson Exeter, MJL Contractors, Steve Hoskins Construction and CJL Construction, also pledged their support, providing resources and manpower. 

Local businesses also supported the project by donating food for the volunteers’ lunches every day.

Now the centre is appealing for donations of garden furniture and tools to help keep costs down for the charities. Anyone who can help is asked to email gmc-gordonmessengercentre@outlook.com.