Designing the Correctional Landscape: An Invitation to Landscape Architecture Professionals

Stevens, Julie; Toews, Barb; Wagenfeld, Amy

doi:10.3368/lj.37.1.55

Cited by 5 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…The therapeutic impacts of gardening in prison are well-documented (Moran et al, 2022;DelSesto, 2022), offering benefits such as a self-perceived improvements in aspects of mental health and wellbeing such as confidence, and sociability (Baybutt et al, 2019;Farrier et al, 2019), decreased depression and increased self-esteem (Lee et al, 2021), knowledge and vocational skills (Ascencio, 2018). Research focused on horticulture in prison environments suggests that access to, and interaction with, nature leads to improved physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, as well as showing an increase in pro-social behaviour (Stevens et al, 2018;Toews et al, 2018;van der Linden, 2015). Prison horticulture linked with environmental sustainability programs are gaining increased attention (Sustainability in Prisons Project, 2019) although prison gardens (historically) are generally not designed to impact specifically on therapeutic rehabilitative or behavioural outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…, 2021), knowledge and vocational skills (Ascencio, 2018). Research focused on horticulture in prison environments suggests that access to, and interaction with, nature leads to improved physical, emotional and mental health and wellbeing, as well as showing an increase in pro-social behaviour (Stevens et al ., 2018; Toews et al ., 2018; van der Linden, 2015). Prison horticulture linked with environmental sustainability programs are gaining increased attention (Sustainability in Prisons Project, 2019) although prison gardens (historically) are generally not designed to impact specifically on therapeutic rehabilitative or behavioural outcomes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Therapeutic gardening in English prisons post-pandemic: implications for health and wellbeing

Farrier,

Baybutt

2024

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PurposeGreener on the Outside for Prisons (GOOP) is a therapeutic horticulture programme targeting the high levels of complex health and social care needs in prisons in England. The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns led to unprecedented disruption in prisons in England. This paper examines the experiences of prisoners both during and post-lockdowns in four prisons, to understand the effects of participation in GOOP on health and wellbeing after the disruption of restrictions, and identify implications for developing this programme further.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on original qualitative data gathered from in-depth narrative-based interviews and focus groups with prisoners and staff in four English prisons. Audio data was transcribed and subject to a thematic analysis, drawing from a realist-informed lens.FindingsThematic analysis revealed five key themes: reimagining the GOOP context; increasing empathy between participants; building sense of coherence; reconnecting with nature and a joined-up connection with provider services. The main arguments centre on horticulture in prisons remaining under-utilised as a means of promoting good health and wellbeing, although there is enthusiasm from staff to provide green spaces for the most vulnerable prisoners and develop a range of mechanisms to connect people in prison with nature.Originality/valueThis paper focuses on new knowledge arising from an unprecedented situation in English prisons, from key stakeholders on the frontline of garden activities. Accounts demonstrate the extent of the health and wellbeing benefits of participation in such activities in this challenging environment, which has implications for practice for prisons more widely.

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