Evaluation of 'Unlocking Nature: Greening our prison spaces
Funder
Conservation Foundation
Total value of project
£8,000
Project team
Dr Geraldine Brown, Dr Jana Fried, Becky Crookes (University of Lincoln), Dr Geraldine Brady (Nottingham Trent University)
Partners
HMP Wandsworth
Duration of project
01/09/2017 - 30/04/2018
Project overview
Research shows that environments lacking nature negatively impact psychological and psychological health and subjective wellbeing (Nanda et al. 2013; Ward Thompson et al., 2012; Velarde et al., 2007; Maller et al., 2006). Accordingly, these negative outcomes are heightened in stressful environments such as a prison. A growing body of prison-based research examining the use of land-based prison programmes identifies that they can result in a range of positive outcomes, these include; improving physical and mental health, subjective wellbeing, facilitate the development of life and work-related skills, improve relationships and support rehabilitation (Pearce & Seals, 2006; Brown et al., 2015; Chisholm & Goodyear, 2012; Lee et al., 2004; Grimshaw & King, 2002 and Kuo & Sullivan, 2001).
The study carried out makes a further contribution to knowledge in this field. The research conducted was an evaluation of the Conservation Foundation's Unlocking Nature programme delivered in HMP Wandsworth. The programme aimed to increase skills, employability and wellbeing through the delivery of land-based interventions and 'green' specific external areas of the prison. The programme involved the delivery of a range of activities, which included gardening and food growing sessions with a horticultural leader, beekeeping, building, landscaping and general horticultural training.
Project objectives
Unlocking Nature targeted two areas, an improvement in the built prison environment and the introduction of land-based interventions. Both activities have been acknowledged as influencing the physical and mental health and wellbeing of incarcerated men and women.
Specific objectives were:
- To explore participants experiences of accessing and engaging in the programme, capturing participants’ journeys and variation in experiences.
- To explore the programme’s impact on health and wellbeing.
- To consider the extent that engagement with the programme enabled learning and development of work-related skills.
- To consider the extent engagement in the programme fostered positive relationships between participants and staff.
- To examine systems and process underpinning programme delivery.
- To identify potential benefits, challenges and consider issues associated with the sustainability of the programme.
- To identify areas of ‘good’ and ‘ineffectual’ practice.
