More Armed Forces veterans are stepping into outdoor and land-based careers thanks to a partnership between Carma and HighGround that has raised £24,400 in its first year. The funding is helping deliver HighGround’s Rural Weeks, giving service leavers, veterans and reservists practical guidance, industry contacts and clear routes into work across the land-based sector.
The donation is supporting HighGround to deliver Rural Weeks—unique virtual and in-person residential programmes designed to help the Armed Forces community navigate the transition to civilian life and find rewarding careers in the land-based sector. In 2025, HighGround supported 108 participants through Rural Weeks, either online or at Bicton College in Devon, helping them build confidence, understand the opportunities available and take practical next steps towards employment and training in the outdoors.
Jamie Crisp, CEO of HighGround, said:
“In just one year, our partnership with Carma has become a lifeline for our Rural Weeks programme, and we’re extremely grateful. Without the generosity of Carma and our other funding partners, we would not be able to provide this vital support to Armed Forces veterans.”
Jim Holland, Co-Founder of Carma and Royal Navy veteran, added:
“As a veteran-founded organisation, Carma is passionate about helping service leavers move into green careers. HighGround does exactly that. Together, we’re backing real opportunities for people who have served—one tree at a time.”
Through the partnership, Carma donates £400 for every 1,000 UK trees funded. Each contribution supports the environment while helping more veterans’ access guidance, skills and pathways into outdoor work. Carma and HighGround thank everyone who has supported the initiative so far and look forward to growing its impact for both people and planet.
If you are a service leaver or veteran and you would like to learn more about HighGround Rural Weeks, visit our website Rural Weeks – HighGround – Life Beyond the Military Outdoors.
