The Bathurst Estate is delighted to welcome and support Walling 2 Recovery, (W2R) an organisation focused on the mental wellbeing of military and ‘blue light’ veterans through dry stone walling.
This month saw the start of this exciting initiative with a small team of military veterans beginning to restore one of the estate’s dry-stone walls on the western approach to Coates village. Under the supervision of Andy Docherty from Walling 2 Recovery, this is a long-term project and will be repeated over the winter and into spring 2025.
Of the project, Andy, W2R said: ‘The project will see the stripping down of 16m of wall, setting 12m of foundations, completing 8m of first lift and 5m to full height. Most importantly, we have a wonderful time with plenty of craic and a general improvement to our mental wellbeing
There are many organizations and people to thank for the success of this project, most importantly the Bathurst Estate for their support and the military veterans and service leavers for their enthusiasm. The veterans have come from many parts of the Army, including the Scots Guards, RRF, Royal Regiment of Scotland, PWRR, Royal Welch, RLC, RA, In Corps and RAVC, and have been an absolute joy to work with.’
W2R was established in June 2024 by Andy Docherty, a military veteran who served for 30 years in the Infantry. Andy is passionate about supporting veterans through dry-stone walling projects. The walling events aim to help with the physical and mental recovery of veterans, as well as aid the transition to civilian employment in the rural workspace for veterans and service leaders.
Lord Apsley said: ‘I am delighted that the Bathurst Estate can facilitate Walling 2 Recovery in its use of dry-stone walling to support veterans. We are fortunate enough to have plenty of walls that are in need of repair and are grateful that Andy has chosen this beautiful environment in which to aid veterans’ physical and mental recovery.
Veterans’ wellbeing and support is vital for their successful transition into civilian life while, at the same time, dry stone walling is a dying yet critical craft. Dry stone walls are integral to maintaining the look and feel of the countryside so many people have come to enjoy.
It is a pleasure to be able to assist a venture that brings together support for such a variety of worthy causes.’
If you are a veteran (military or blue light) and are interested in taking part in future events or are aware of a veteran who may benefit, please contact Andy via the Walling 2 Recovery website, www.w2r.co.uk
