Terraverde generously donated £8,000 to the Garden Army towards the end of 2025. This was followed by a wonderful visit to their site at the Chiddingley Estate.
This November, we visited The Garden Army, based at the Chiddingley Estate in West Hoathly, West Sussex - a working farm and kitchen garden designed to help people improve their wellbeing through nature. The site offers therapeutic work for individuals facing mental health challenges, learning disabilities, or barriers to employment. Facilities include indoor workspace for workshops, craft, and educational sessions, as well as outdoor growing areas for regenerative farming, gardening, and food production.
Under the leadership of founder Tom Morphew, the project focuses on creating a space where anyone can get outdoors, experience nature, and benefit from meaningful work in a supportive environment. Tom has always been passionate about farming, and over the years he has seen the positive impact that horticulture and agriculture can have on mental and emotional health. A visionary leader with 10+ years’ experience in regenerative farming, community development, and social enterprise, Tom is also a two-time TED Talk speaker with expertise in scaling sustainable food systems and delivering high-impact social programs.
Tom previously worked with an ex–military policeman who had been supporting former soldiers dealing with PTSD, and he began to ask: Could horticultural therapy help? He realised early on that The Garden Army shouldn’t be limited to ex-military; instead, it should bring people from all walks of life together. Today, The Garden Army is powered by volunteers from a range of backgrounds - many referred through the NHS - who come together to work outdoors. Bringing people together around shared interests, skills and experiences, the Garden Army offers people opportunities to learn about themselves and each other.
“I come twice a week. I got sent here by Linfield Medical Centre. We learn things, we take veg home and I’m eating better — lots of squash, beetroot, cucumber and onions. I’ve lost 2 stone… My mental health has really improved. It’s a lovely place, a lovely environment and very quiet.” - A volunteer.
Terraverde is proud to champion their vital work with a gift of £8,000, helping the team invest in their essential work on green social prescribing. This practice supports people to engage in nature-based interventions and activities to improve their mental and physical health. Green social prescribing includes activities such as farming, walking schemes, community gardening projects, gyms, open water swimming, or arts and cultural activities that take place outdoors.
“The £8,000 has really helped pay for equipment like lovely wheelbarrows and PPE to keep our volunteers safe. Many people who come here are prescribed by their local doctors because they’re struggling with their mental health. They work together as a team, doing all the different jobs on the farm. It really boosts their confidence and sense of belonging.” - Founder Tom Morphew.
Green social prescribing plays a vital role in tackling loneliness and creating meaningful social connection. These experiences provide purpose, routine, and a sense of belonging, helping people feel part of something bigger than themselves. The benefits extend beyond improved mood and reduced isolation; being in nature has been shown to boost resilience, confidence, and overall quality of life.
“My late husband was prescribed to come here. Because he didn’t drive, I had to bring him — and I was made more than welcome to stay. When I lost him, Tom said I was welcome to keep coming. Two and a half years later, I’m still here. I help with planting, weaving, harvesting, feeding the animals… I share what I know. There are some really good people here. We’re like a little army - we all get on well and have a laugh.” - Mary, a volunteer on the farm.
Several retired men from the local community came to The Garden Army after feeling adrift and without purpose following the end of their working lives. Many had lost confidence, felt isolated, and struggled to see how they could still contribute. At the farm, they found a warm welcome and meaningful roles — from repairing tools and building raised beds to mentoring younger volunteers. Their skills were valued, their presence mattered, and they became part of a community that relied on them.
“I thought I’d had my time. Now I feel useful again. I have somewhere I belong, and people who look forward to seeing me.” - A volunteer.
A Warm Welcome on Site
The Garden Army offers a space where people feel safe and welcomed - and it was clear from our conversations just how much this environment has helped individuals grow, learn, and heal. Volunteering on the farm involves everything from gardening and seasonal harvesting to tending to animals including pigs, chickens, and sheep. There are opportunities for beekeeping, arts and crafts such as candle making, practical team projects, maintaining the land, and even operating farm equipment like tractors.
Volunteer Voices
“I’ve been employed at The Garden Army for two years, after volunteering for a year before that. I really enjoyed my apprenticeship. When I first started, I knew nothing. Now I can inspire other people the way I was inspired.” - An employee at The Garden Army.
Looking Ahead
The Garden Army is expanding a care farm in Barnham, Chichester, a new 10-acre site - including four acres of greenhouse space untouched for 15 years. Restoring this area will be a major winter project and a valuable opportunity for volunteers to learn new skills and contribute. The proposed new farm directly responds to urgent local and national needs. Chichester has an older-than-average population, with over 16,000 people living alone and high rates of loneliness, mental ill health, and self-harm admissions. Local Public Health data shows that the district continues to face above-average suicide rates and a growing demand for community-based, preventative support.
Green social prescribing pilots, backed by NHS England, have demonstrated high uptake (around 85%) and statistically significant improvements in wellbeing and anxiety levels, at a cost lower than many conventional therapies. This aligns with West Sussex’s prevention and mental health priorities, as well as NHS personalised care goals.
“I enjoy coming here. It’s a different group of people and I feel I contribute.” - A volunteer.
The Garden Army aligns powerfully with Terraverde’s core mission: building a fairer, greener Britain where everyone can live healthy, fulfilling lives. As a UK-based charity committed to supporting expert organisations with reducing inequality, Terraverde seeks impactful projects that address both environmental and social vulnerabilities.
“I really enjoyed spending the day at The Garden Army and being shown around by its fantastic founder, Tom; hearing directly from volunteers and seeing the day-to-day workings of the farm brought their mission to life, and it was clear how much this place means to everyone who comes here - a space of respite, learning, and genuine community where people feel part of a team. What matters most to Terraverde is knowing that our funding is helping to improve people’s health and wellbeing, particularly through initiatives directly linked to the NHS via green social prescribing, and supporting projects that create real, measurable impact on people’s lives is at the heart of all our funding decisions. I look forward to visiting again.” - Marketing and Operations Manager at Terraverde.
