As The Strategy for Defence Infrastructure 2015-2030 is underway, to achieve the vision of affordable and optimised defence estates, the accommodation and facilities on the remaining sites will become an increasingly key component of ‘the offer’ to the armed forces.
Andy Mighall, Regional Manager for landscape contractor Gavin Jones, comments: “We know that strategic management of the defence estates infrastructure impacts the way our forces live, work and train. The environment in which they do so has a profound effect on health, wellbeing and ultimately performance.
“As the scale of our defence land is reduced, it is more important than ever to be responsible occupiers and ensure sustainable, environmental stewardship of some of the most significant landscapes in the UK.”
The forces have a well-earned reputation for providing exemplary management of its estates and would not let the risk of an underutilised site put resilience, safety and compliance into question. Therefore, grounds maintenance is a top priority for consistency of quality in estate management.
Prioritising the landscape at Tidworth Camp
The landscape at Tidworth Camp has been carefully managed over the last three years with a large team of close to 500 local people employed by landscape contractors from Gavin Jones and Vivo Defence Services.
As with many defence estates, the scale of the grounds at Tidworth Camp is enormous, equivalent to a small town and the grounds need dedicated attention to keep them in an admirable condition.
In recent years, the team has team has carefully considered and implemented ways to make vital work like grass cutting, leaf collection, formal topiary and weed control more efficient and exemplary in its presentation.
Tedworth House: Recovery through green spaces
The MoD has been responsible for the military recovery centre on the site, Grade II listed 19th century Tedworth House, since 2022. The contract for its 28 acre grounds was awarded to Gavin Jones under contract through VIVO Defence Services in 2023 and for the last 12 months the team has begun an intense period of environmental management, focusing on ecological rehabilitation and biodiversity.
Work to improve the health and functionality of the ecosystem is beginning to show signs of improved fertility, structure and quality of the soil. Where necessary, organic matter has been used to treat areas that need it, to ensure the health of newly implemented planting schemes.
The whole area is home not only to plants, trees and hedgerows but also wildlife vital to the biodiversity of the site. The requirements of the variety and abundance of these species and their habitats have been included in all the ongoing activity, to ensure every part of the ecology of the grounds is managed.
Wildlife corridors allow species to find food in the right places, away from the built estate, and to make their homes in suitable places. The team has introduced new habitats for critical pollinators such as butterflies and bees by building bug houses, planting wildflowers and a significant number of trees.
Steps have been put in place to manage surface water, particularly during extreme weather conditions, where water damage can play havoc with recently tended grounds. At every stage, rainwater harvesting has been put in place to ensure a continuous supply at times of drought. Permeable surfaces are the best way to manage water, and ongoing steps have been taken to clear these existing surfaces as they are put to the test by the elements, to ensure they are properly functioning.
The Importance of Landscape Design for health and wellbeing
The health benefits of outdoor spaces have long been supported, even as far back as Florence Nightingale, who refers to the benefits of outdoor space in her book published in the 1800’s, ‘Notes on Nursing’. The provision of green space for the residents of Tedworth House is vitally important and the evidence to link positive health benefits both for both mental and physical recovery mustn’t be ignored.
Many studies on the relationship with green spaces have shown improvements to health. Research has found that exposure to simple pictures of greenery and plants can help improve mood. Gardens and planting, particularly trees, can also improve air quality.
A Positive Impact on Both Environment and Community
Landscape management is a cornerstone in building and maintaining the agile estates infrastructure essential for the evolving needs of the armed forces. As defence estates adapt to a dynamic and reduced land base, the careful stewardship of these environments becomes even more critical.
Well-managed landscapes not only ensure operational functionality and resilience but also support the health, wellbeing, and morale of personnel. The attention to detail in maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity, promoting sustainability, and creating spaces that encourage health and wellness is vital.
As the MOD continues to enhance its infrastructure, prioritising effective landscape management will be key to fostering an agile, adaptive, and supportive environment for those who rely on these spaces every day.
to commercial and private clients and landscape maintenance services largely to the commercial sector, but also including government and MOD sites, public open spaces, and university campus estates.
Meanwhile, Nurture Pest Control is one of the UK’s leading pest control companies serving commercial, domestic and public sector clients.
The addition earlier this year of Gristwood & Toms into the group completes the quartet, providing excellence in arboricultural services.
With a network of regional offices and depots across the UK, the business has grown organically, augmented by a successful acquisition programme.
A longstanding member of the British Association of Landscaping Industries (BALI), Nurture Group has attracted numerous industry awards. These have included winning two Principal Awards at the 2023 BALI Awards for Grounds Maintenance at Chiswick Park and Interior Landscape Installation at Braze. In April 2024, Nurture was named as the winner of the Grounds Maintenance Company award, in addition to winning the coveted Supreme Winner accolade at the Pro Landscaper Business Awards. Committed to developing, training, and retaining their people, Nurture is a Real Living Wage employer providing opportunities for apprentices within client communities.
As a carbon neutral business in compliance with the global PAS 2060 standard, the group has been successful in nurturing lasting relationships with its client, colleagues and supply partners.
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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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