Prison garden wins annual horticultural award

A gardening scheme in HMP Parc has received an award from the Royal Horticultural Society for improving the lives of their prisoners.

 

HMP Parc is private prison for male adults and young offenders located in Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales. Parc is the only privately operated prison in Wales and accommodates approximately 1336 inmates who have either been convicted or are on remand. 

 

The prison has attracted positive attention due to their gardening scheme which was designed to make the prison more welcoming whilst also providing prisoners with an employment opportunity. 

 

Mike Thomas, a manager who oversees the prison's horticulture staff commented on the scheme, saying that it has made the prison more attractive and welcoming for visitors. He said: "Prisons are very austere, there's hardly any greenery, shrubs, gardens, or anything," says Mike Thomas, a manager who oversees Parc's horticulture staff. "The garden goes through the centre of the prison and you see straight away it has a calming effect on people.

 

Prisoners who work in the garden can earn £28 a week for 40 hours of work whilst also studying for qualifications in horticulture. 

 

Alan Grant, who was transferred to HMP Prison has worked in the jail's gardens for almost three years. He said: "It takes you away from prison a bit… it's therapeutic, it's enjoyable. My time here would have gone slower if it wasn't for the garden." 

 

He added: "The job does help people, especially if they struggle. Gardening helps with mental health and I think they should do more of it in jail. It gives a sense of purpose; it takes our minds off things. It keeps me going. I'm happy and I enjoy it."

 

The positive impact of the scheme has been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society which named HMP Parc as the winner of the Windlesham Trophy, an annual award for prison gardens. 

 

The Johnson Partnership

Derby Crime Solicitors