Volunteers have come together for a Tidworth-based military recovery centre to transform a rundown area into a beautiful garden.

It was a garden at Tedworth House in Wiltshire that 14 volunteers transformed to help the recovery centre for Wounded Injured and Sick Serving Military Personnel.

The centre was previously managed by Help of Heroes and is now operated by the MoD with support from the facilities arm of BAM.

Neil Porter, operations manager for BAM FM - which was recently asked to deliver maintenance, laundry, catering, receptionists and night wardens for the centre – spotted that there were a number of areas in need of some care and attention, but outside their contract.

Andover Advertiser: How the area looked before volunteers transformed itHow the area looked before volunteers transformed it

Mr Porter said: “We organised a volunteering day and quick as a flash, 14 volunteers came to the rescue for two days, to take on the task of a garden makeover.

“This included digging out and replanting flower beds, and tidying up overgrown areas – all to create a space that was inviting for visitors, and a place for quietness and tranquillity that was also low maintenance.

“The team transformed the garden from a rundown area to an amazing space where residents of Tedworth House will be able to use to reflect on their recovery journey.

“We tidied up and planted flowers and vegetables, which our onsite catering team will use in the kitchen. We got a real sense of achievement and satisfaction from it.”

Andover Advertiser: How the garden looks nowHow the garden looks now

Major DM Holder, OC Personnel Recovery Centre, Tidworth, said: “I would like to thank this team of volunteers from BAM in helping to restore the vegetable and ornamental gardens at Tedworth House. Their dedication and working tirelessly despite the inclement weather, has made a tremendous positive difference to gardens.

“They have reinvigorated a peaceful, inspiring, and reflective environment for wounded, injured and sick service personnel to enjoy as part of their recovery pathway. On behalf of all members of the Personnel Recovery Centre at Tedworth House, thank you for your time and effort.”

BAM is a supporter of the Living Wage Foundation and recently reduced its carbon emissions by 45 per cent compared to 2015.

Its construction arm recently created a new state-of-the-art factory in Wiltshire for Anthony Best’s AB Dynamics, a project managed by local man Tony Richards who lived close by.