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. We have already completed the visitor garden centre and here is one of our associates Phil working with families to plant the new veg beds

The new gardens, co-designed with our associate director Laura Burt, will be calm, immersive spaces and bursting with biodiversity. We have already completed work on the garden in the Visitor Centre and will shortly be working with prisoners in the Insentivized Substance Free Living Unit to develop a garden inside the prison itself. Both gardens 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. Your donations will help us continue to support staff and volunteers in the visitor centre to develop work in the garden there as it grows. It will pay for tools and essential materials and we hope to fund regular sessions with therapeutic horticulturalists too.