Prisons are under pressure and prisoners and their families are some of the most marginalized people in our society. The Nature Effect and HMP Bullingdon and PACT charity are working together create two new nature filled gardens through a project we are calling INSIDE OUT. The first garden will support prisoners recovering from addiction and the second garden will transform the Visitor Centre garden so families visiting have a calm green space to wait and where children can play. Visiting loved ones inside is always a stressful experience.. We will help create resources to support families to connect to nature in their communities too.

The new gardens, co-designed with our associate Laura Burt, will be calm, immersive spaces and bursting with biodiversity. Both will feature species rich planting and include growing spaces for herbs and fruit. There will be smaller secluded areas for staff to undertake one to one reviews, or in the case of visitors, where parents can sit and talk.

Bullingdon Prison houses around 900 men many of whom are on remand and yet been to trial and are on remand. The garden will provide a fantastic space for prison members who are taking part in the prison's substance free living program, those who have complex health needs, and/or are at higher risk of self harm. As well as providing a space for purposeful activity and therapeutic work, the men will also be able to learn new skills around growing and gardening that can be used upon release.

Your donation will also help us work with the Prisoners Advice and Care Trust to develop their garden at the visitor centre and support families to access green spaces in their communities. We have already raised £35,000 towards this project but need more funding for plants, for sheds, for shelter and to fund ongoing support from communities over the crucial first year or this exciting project.