Research
Evidence-led practice in green social prescribing and veteran wellbeing
The Defence Gardens Scheme is committed to evidence-led practice and continuous learning. Our research and evaluation activity ensures that our programmes are effective, accountable and aligned with emerging best practice in green social prescribing and nature-based therapy. We work with academic and specialist research partners to contribute to the UK’s growing evidence base on how nature based, community embedded interventions support wellbeing and recovery.
An Independent Evaluation 2024–2026
Transformational Nature-based Prescriptions
Funded by the Armed Forces Convent Fund, DGS has coordinated an independent evaluation of the 10 week Resilience and Recovery Programme. From 2024 to 2026, the Defence Gardens Scheme completed a two year, independent evaluation of its programmes, designed to understand both outcomes for veterans and the wider social and economic value generated through participation. The evaluation was a collaboration of three specialist partners contributing complementary expertise:
Edinburgh Napier University - literature review
Pro Bono Economics (PBE) – economic evaluation and social value analysis
Neighbourly Lab (NL) – qualitative evaluation and lived experience research
Together, this partnership delivered a robust mixedmethods evaluation, consistent with national approaches to evidence generation in Green Social Prescribing and community wellbeing interventions.
See the links below for copies of the report, or read the executive summary here.
Alignment with Green Social Prescribing
The Defence Gardens Scheme aligns with national priorities on Green Social Prescribing (GSP) — an approach recognised across health and wellbeing systems for connecting people with nature based activity to support mental and physical health outcomes.
Our evaluation and theory of change sit alongside key national frameworks and evidence sources:
Green Social Prescribing — NHS England provides the national framework for nature based interventions as part of personalised care. Green Social Prescribing (NHS England)
Green Social Prescribing research consortium — evaluation and evidence on prescribing nature to improve wellbeing, led by research partners including the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Using Green Social Prescribing to prevent and tackle mental ill health (Sheffield Hallam)
National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) — overview and guidance on embedding Green Social Prescribing into local systems. Green Social Prescribing (NASP)
These and other studies demonstrate a growing evidence base showing how structured nature based activities — including gardening, outdoor volunteering and conservation — can improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and support recovery from stress and trauma.
What the Evaluation Explored
The research examined:
Veteran experiences of Defence Gardens Scheme delivery
Wellbeing, connection and recovery outcomes
Economic and social value generated through participation
How programme design aligns with best practice in Green Social Prescribing
What Veterans Told Us
Veterans consistently reported that the Defence Gardens Scheme worked because it was:
VOLSH
Veteran only – shared experience and trusted environment
Outdoors – nature as primary setting, not secondary
Light touch – nonclinical, supportive and flexible
Social – peer connection and belonging
Holistic – whole person wellbeing focus
These principles reflect the core mechanisms identified in Green Social Prescribing research for creating safe, effective and engaging nature based interventions.
Why This Matters
The findings strengthen the case for veteran focussed programmes within broader Green Social Prescribing policy and practice. They offer insight for:
NHS and statutory partners embedding green prescribing pathways
Defence, public sector and VCSE partners commissioning wellbeing support
Corporate and philanthropic investors looking for measurable social value
Researchers and practitioners advancing nature based intervention evidence
Read our Evaluation Reports
Evaluation Summary (TNP)
Accessible overview of key findings, principles and implications
Pro Bono Economics – Economic Evaluation
Indepth analysis of economic and social value
Neighbourly Lab – Qualitative Evaluation
Indepth Veteran voices, lived experience and thematic insights
Continuing the Research
Research is an ongoing commitment for the Defence Gardens Scheme. Building on this evaluation, we are:
Embedding learning into programme design and delivery
Strengthening alignment with national Green Social Prescribing evidence
Developing further academic and policy facing partnerships
We aim to contribute actively to the evolution of best practice in nature based and Green Social Prescribing interventions.
Research Collaboration
We welcome collaboration with researchers, institutions and partners working in green social prescribing, veteran wellbeing and nature based therapy.
Read our Impact Reports
2024–25 Impact Report
2023–24 Impact Report