A community garden bringing veterans, children and older residents together has been able to grow its activities with support from a vital Veterans’ Foundation® grant.
Bramble Woods Community Garden, in Catterick Garrison, welcomes defence families and the wider community to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills and spend time together.
It is run by e50K CIC, an organisation founded by members of the Armed Forces community to improve life for Forces families.
Its projects bring military and civilian neighbours together and create opportunities to connect, learn and work.
But when e50K received a Veterans’ Foundation® grant in 2024, the organisation was facing a difficult decision about the future of its community work.
“We were at the point where, when this came through, we were going to stop because whilst we had a huge bank of fantastic volunteers we needed financial help at the senior level to help to get us through,” said Quincey Ankrett, Executive Director of e50K Strategic Advisory.
“This three-year grant was a lifeline for us when it started.”
Quincey explained that funding for equipment or a specific project can be easier to find than funding for the people who keep that work going.
The grant helps pay for time from three key members of e50K’s inspirational team.
Their work takes place largely behind the scenes, from managing finances to creating lasting partnerships and overseeing risk and assurance - needed to welcome people safely to the garden.
Cat’s work includes overseeing Bramble Woods’ beekeeping activities where adults and schoolchildren can learn about bees.
“Being part of Bramble Woods is something truly special,” said Cat, Operations Lead at e50K CIC.
“To be part of this living, breathing ecosystem that continually gives by bringing together such a diverse range of people for fresh air, practical skills, emotional support, joy and a sense of purpose is a real privilege.”
The Veterans’ Foundation® grant has also helped e50K spend more time developing activities for children which are funded ‘on the day’ by long term funding from Amey Defence Services and include school holiday programmes that give parents time to take part with their children or leave and work while their children take part.
At Bramble Woods, gardening sessions attract older residents, while schools and home education and youth groups use the space for activities.
The garden is open to Forces and civilian families alike, and that mix of people is part of what makes the garden so special.
Louise, the community gardener at Bramble Woods, added: “Moving here not knowing a soul, to finding connections and friendships via the Community Garden for me and my family, has been a special gift.
“It’s helped give me purpose.”
The Veterans’ Foundation® grant supports the employees whose work makes those moments possible, helping Bramble Woods remain a welcoming place for people to learn, meet and feel part of a community.
