Two garden spaces at a Cumbrian recovery centre for emergency service personnel have been given a new lease of life, thanks to outdoor specialists Frilu.
The Penrith-based landscape design and build company worked with The Fire Fighters Charity to reimagine two outdoor areas at Jubilee House, the charity’s dedicated recovery centre near Penrith, which supports serving and retired fire and rescue personnel, along with police and ambulance workers.
The project saw Frilu breathe new life into The Longest Ride Garden and a central courtyard, creating calming spaces designed to support rest, reflection and recovery.
Located on the banks of the River Eamont and surrounded by 10 acres of countryside, Jubilee House provides specialist support for individuals recovering from injury, illness or psychological trauma.
“Outdoor space plays an integral role in the centre’s approach to rehabilitation,” said Andrew Waterfield, estate and facilities manager at The Fire Fighters Charity.
“And that’s exactly what I’m passionate about,” adds Amanda Ingram, director at Frilu.
“Spending time outdoors is so important for wellbeing, and that’s backed up by research. This space will offer quiet moments and natural beauty to aid recovery.”
Several parts of the site had become tired and in need of renewal. The Longest Ride Garden was home to a worn bench and overgrown planting, and the main courtyard had lost its sense of welcome.
Frilu was invited to transform the areas into beautiful, functional spaces that better reflected the needs of the people who use them.
The Longest Ride Garden, originally funded by a charity cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, is now a sensory space filled with scent, texture and movement.
Resin-bound gravel pathways meet natural stone paving to create contrast underfoot, while raised Corten steel beds provide structure and warmth. These are planted with a carefully chosen mix of evergreens, perennials and ornamental grasses, designed to offer seasonal interest and a soothing experience all year round.
At the centre of the space, a sculptural water feature adds a soft, calming soundscape, encouraging visitors to pause, reflect or gather with others.
The neighbouring courtyard has also been restored, with a reclaimed gatepost from the original site repurposed as a bespoke water feature: a nod to the history of the centre and the people it serves.
Amanda said: “We believe outdoor spaces have the power to heal, and Jubilee House embodies that perfectly.
“It was important to us that the gardens felt inclusive, peaceful and purposeful. Not just beautiful to look at, but genuinely supportive of the people who use them. We’re incredibly proud to have been part of something so meaningful.”
Paul Moran, director at Frilu, added: “We’ve always been inspired by the work of The Fire Fighters Charity, and meeting the team at Jubilee House only deepened that.
“Hearing first-hand how these outdoor areas could make a difference really shaped our approach. It’s been a privilege to contribute, and we’re excited to continue supporting the charity this year.”
Andrew said: “We’re incredibly grateful to the team at Frilu for their creativity. These new outdoor spaces have been designed with real thought for the people who use them, and we’re already seeing the positive impact they’re having.
“Nature can be a powerful part of recovery, and thanks to this transformation, our beneficiaries have more opportunities than ever to rest, reflect and reconnect in a safe and calming environment,”
Frilu has chosen The Fire Fighters Charity as their Charity of the Year. The team will organise fundraising and awareness campaigns throughout the year to support more of the charity’s life-changing work.
