The presence of gardens in prison settings have positively affected the psychological and physical health of people in custody and have also been shown to reduce recidivism rates and support prisoner rehabilitation. In Irish prisons, horticulture programmes have been introduced with the aim of supporting prisoners in developing transferable skills, increase self-efficacy and self-awareness and improve interpersonal skills. This study aims to explore the perspectives of those in custody who are participating in a prison horticulture programme, including its impact on their wellbeing, behaviour, and proposed changes to its implementation.
This study used semi-structured interviews to explore people in custody’s experiences of participating in a horticulture programme in prison, using thematic analysis. It focused on the lived experiences of 11 people in custody in an Irish prison.
Three themes were identified: “Coming to understand the self”, “Freedom within walls” and “Finding my voice”. Results indicated that participants have experienced improvements in their mental health and wellbeing, and are engaging in pro-social behaviours.
Participants demonstrated improved emotion regulation, reduced reporting of mental health challenges and increased help-seeking behaviours. Participants also acquired skills relevant to employability post-release and described systemic issues such as limited spaces, staff shortages and restricted access, which impacted their engagement.
This study builds upon the limited research looking at experiences of prisoners participating in vocational and educational programmes. The study gives insight into how nature, meaningful activities, and therapeutic relationships can support the wellbeing of people in custody.
