Pathways of Purpose: Co-Creating a Transformative Woodland Experience with the Veterans Community Working Party

Location: Fishponds Woods (Whitewoods), Bewley

Delivered by: Veterans Community Working Party CIC https://www.vcworkingparty.com/ and What Makes the Difference CIC

In the heart of Nidderdale’s serene landscape, nestled within the tranquil setting of Fishponds Woods (also known as Whitewoods), something remarkable happened. Over one powerful weekend, What Makes the Difference CIC collaborated with the Veterans Community Working Party (VCWP) to co-create an experience that was as restorative as it was reflective.

This wasn’t just another woodland retreat. It was a carefully designed workshop rooted in community voice, environmental metaphor, and practical transformation – for the land and for the lives of those who took part.

Co-Designing with Purpose: Veterans Lead the Way

From the very beginning, this wasn’t our workshop – it was theirs. Before a single log was moved or a fire lit, we sat down with members of the VCWP to explore one key question:
“What would you like this weekend to feel like?”

By placing veterans at the centre of the planning process, we ensured that every part of the experience reflected their hopes, values, and needs. The result was a co-created event, tailored to support reflection, purpose, and personal insight – while honouring the natural beauty and restorative power of Fishponds Woods.

Exploring “Pathways of Desire”: The Environment as Metaphor

The central theme of the weekend was “environment and pathways of desire” – a concept borrowed from environmental psychology that describes the instinctual routes people create to move efficiently through space.

But we took this idea deeper.

Participants explored how these invisible paths show up in home life, work, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Are the paths we take always the ones we want – or just the ones that are easiest? Are we following familiar tracks, or carving our own way through life?

In partnership with Dr Peter Brambleby’s ecological restoration project, veterans physically shaped the land – building small waterfalls, clearing invasive species, and engaging in mindful woodland activities like whittling and wild cooking. These tasks, though grounded in nature, mirrored internal journeys:

“As we changed the flow of the stream, we asked: where might I reroute the waters of my own life?”

Connection, Reflection, and Real Talk: The Closing Circle

To close the weekend, we invited everyone into a circle to reflect on core questions:

• Were your expectations for this weekend met?
• What worked well for you?
• What didn’t work well for you?
• What would you want more of, or done differently?

This final conversation wasn’t just about the event – it was a consolidation of learning. It allowed participants to name their insights, share their growth, and identify practical changes to bring back into their families, communities, and other working parties.

Many veterans spoke of a renewed clarity about the small shifts they could make at home – just as they had done in the stream. Others reflected on how the co-creation process gave them a deeper sense of agency and ownership – something many had longed for after service life.

Why This Matters: Veteran Wellbeing Through Nature and Narrative

At What Makes the Difference CIC, we believe deeply in the power of place-based wellbeing and veteran-led co-production. Our collaboration with VCWP at Fishponds Woods brought both to life.

This wasn’t therapy – but it was therapeutic. It wasn’t a lecture – but it was deeply educational. And it wasn’t about “fixing” veterans – it was about honouring their strengths, stories, and contributions, and walking alongside them on a shared journey of purpose and possibility.

Join the Movement

As VCWP and What Makes the Difference CIC continue to build community-led, nature-based experiences for the Armed Forces community, we invite others to join us. Whether you’re a veteran, a partner organisation, or simply someone seeking a more meaningful way to connect with nature and self – there’s a pathway waiting for you too.

One small change can make a big difference

October 24, What Makes the Difference CIC delivered two half-day workshops on neurodifference or neurodivergence (ND). This workshop collaborated with Thrive Together Network (formerly known as VPPP).

For a long time, I avoided asking for help as I felt I didn’t deserve it to be honest. Ali immediately made me feel at ease. I was pleasantly surprised to find it was not an interrogation, it was as simple as having a weekly conversation where I could share my struggles and receive guidance and tools to help me traverse through them. I’ve got my mojo back and I can’t recommend and thank Ali enough for her help. S. G. France

Mission Motorsport hosted a National Transition Event at Silverstone race track (you may even get the opportunity to be driven in a supercar!) that shows service leavers, veterans, reservists and spouses/partners unbelievable wide-ranging careers that are in both automotive and renewable industries.

Rich delivered an excellent mindfulness session, using a series of techniques and open questions enabling us to create our own internal mind maps and timelines, going on a positive journey under his attentive verbal guidance. It left us feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. It would be interesting to see where further sessions would lead.

Would certainly recommend! K.H Bristol

Most jobs hidden and “under the table” attending events like this help to build your networks with potential employers and with others who may be able to help you out if you ever become stuck for work.

I cannot recommend Ali highly enough. My lack of confidence in myself and my capabilities were blocking me but it was more than that. With Ali’s help, knowledge of Coaching/NLP/hypnosis and guidance I was able to deal with some past traumas. Things I thought I had taken control over but they were haunting me, and I didn’t even realise it. Freeing myself from what felt like heavy chains, is the most freeing and positive experience I could have ever imagined.

Ali is an amazing coach, guiding me, knowing when to push me a little bit and allowing me space to explore and find out who I really am and what I’m really capable of doing. Words I never thought I would say and feel. “I am limitless, confident and excited at the prospects that my future holds”. Ali, I will be forever grateful to you. You have set me free. G.F. S. Wales

Rich was kindly invited to give a talk to the Bristol RAFA branch. I took them through what moral injury is and who it can not only affect you and your family.

Army Welfare Services South West event

We were kindly invited to the AWS event, which is to inform various representatives of the army around the South West about what resources are available to them and their soldiers. We went there to inform them about our services, which were originally called Rethinking Trauma and Transition.

Interview with Radio Bath

We were cordially invited to come to Radio Bath by the show’s host Stephanie Hill. We talked about what we do and why as well as the Forcer Protocol that is to save lives from death by suicide. Audio will be coming shortly.