Gardening behind bars
Find out how horticulture is helping prisoners get back on the straight and narrow
The state of the UK’s prisons has become a hot topic in recent times, with frequent news of overcrowding, violence and reoffending rates. A recent report from the Prison Reform Trust found that rates of death in prison have almost doubled in the past decade, with levels of self-harm and assault at the highest levels ever recorded.
One prison bucking the trend is HMP Styal in Cheshire. This all-female facility has a variety of initiatives going on behind the scenes to up-skill prisoners to prepare them for life back outside the prison walls.Among the timetabled sessions for maths and literacy is the opportunity to get involved in horticulture. Depending on where skills are needed, prisoners may find themselves caring for Styal’s outdoor space or getting involved with various different gardening projects. And it’s changing lives.
Growing a foundation level of knowledge about horticulture
Constructing floral arrangements
‘She’s now working for a massive garden centre and is a fantastic ambassador, actively promoting her journey of how horticulture helped to turn her life around.’
Designing a show garden
One project at HMP Styal that plants the seed for horticulture sees prisoners design a show garden. For the past seven years, the prison has worked with inmates to create a garden at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park to be in the running for an RHS medal.The Equilibrium Garden at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2019
‘Three prisoners came to the show and helped build the garden. They were all from different backgrounds – one worked in a gym, the others in a kitchen and hairdressing. When we started, they didn’t know the difference between a spade and a shovel, but moving 37 tonnes of soil soon changed that.’
‘Initially, I think it was quite overwhelming to be faced with a plot of bare mud and knowing they needed to build a garden. There were a lot of times they thought they couldn’t do it. But, with a bit of encouragement, they really engaged, working as a team and it was great to see them blossom.’
Bamboo fencing surrounding the garden
Rocks and paving represent mountains climbed
‘It was a garden to promote harmony, balance and tranquillity,’ said Richard. ‘A celebration of what can happen with positive change. The garden looked brilliant and it won an RHS Bronze medal – a fantastic result.’
While a show garden may last only a week, the skills and benefits gleaned from horticulture can last a lifetime. Along with learning about different plants and landscaping techniques, the skills learnt through horticulture can boost self-esteem and develop vital interpersonal skills. As Richard explains, gardening behind bars gives women that much-needed boost to succeed.‘Women who work in the gardens report feeling better in themselves, they’re sleeping better and they feel more confident... it makes a huge difference'
‘At HMP Styal, women have to do some form of purposeful activity – whether that be work or an education programme,’ he says. ‘For those involved in gardening, it doesn’t mean they’re out there sunbathing. We have 16 acres, seven polytunnels and a huge glasshouse that need to be looked after.’
‘Women who work in the gardens report feeling better in themselves, they’re sleeping better and they feel more confident during social interactions. It makes a huge difference.’
