RRW54
July 24, 2026
Consisting of 6 Army, 1 Royal Navy and 1 Royal Marines, (unusually no RAF personnel), a week that was intended to be Female Only, turned into a mix of male a female serving personnel and veterans – a combination that brings depth and perspective to the experience
Another very warm and sunny Sunday evening brought CEO – Jamie and Ops Manager – Heather, with Simon Caraffi (Chair of Trustees), to the start of the course. This ‘meet and greet’ is important to us all as an opportunity to meet beneficiaries in person, share our backgrounds and thus, how we can help through experience and understanding. The ‘family’ connection with all HighGrounders is part of what empowers and grows the network.
Another full and varied week of visits to different sectors within the land-based economy allowed the group to gain first hand understanding of the realities of the work, opportunities available, what is needed and most importantly, what is not needed, in order to transition into that area. There are so many ‘Aha!’ moments, so many joining of dots and also moments where beneficiaries realise that a particular sector or job role is not something they want to investigate further.
The week gives beneficiaries a rare chance to focus on what is next in their careers; time for themselves that allows a deep dive into what is important. This approach helps them decide on a pathway that fits their whole life.
Our evening speakers this week were Jo Edwards and Matt Wildgoose of Solace in Devon – both veterans who have built a a special retreat and recovery centre on the edge of Dartmoor. Both spoke eloquently of their transition journeys and how they found what they now do in post-military lives. The evening sessions are about storytelling, connection with others who have been through military to civilian transition, sharing lessons and insights to help lighten the load.
These weeks would be nothing without the support of some amazing people and organisations.
This week, the group explored the following sectors:
Agri-Tech – Andy Irvine and Chris Giles John Deere
Agriculture – Jim Pyne of Pulhayes Farm
Woodland Management – with John Herbert of Clinton Devon Estates
Organic Crops and Livestock – Rodney Hall of Roddy’s Organics
Aboriculture – with Kirsty, Matt and Rhys of Hi-Line Tree Services
Wildlife Conservation – with Toby Taylor from RSPB Aylesbeare Common
Landscaping – with Chris Bolton of Tony Benger Landscaping
Heritage Gardening – with Karl Emaleus, Head Gardener at Killerton House
Greenkeeping – with Terry Farkins and Andy George at Woodbury Park Golf Club
Forest School – Nick Murphy of The Outdoors Group
Land Agent – with Mark Butler, Land Agent at Duchy of Cornwall
Self employment Jamie Ranson (tree surgeon and hedge layer) Langore Tree Services
Smallholding – Debbie Kingsley South Yeo Farm West
Gin distilling and rare breeds – Mark and Dawn Rees Gotland Gin
Rural Estate Management – Ian Bowler of Bowler Oakfield
Each week ends with a round-up session explaining the next steps in support from HighGround and passing on details of other organisations who can provide in areas such as CV writing, putting military experience into civilian language and also to remind them of the importance of maintaining support networks. Once part of the HighGround family, beneficiaries have our support for as long as they need it. We love hearing good news stories and being able to share successes with the group as inspiration for their own decisions.
Pictures from the week can be seen here
We are indebted to funders this week – Greenwich Hospital, Army Central Fund, Army Benevolent Fund Lloyds Veterans Charity – their generous and ongoing support makes these weeks possible.
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