It’s been a decade since The Conservation Foundation brought us in as lead designers for their ‘Unlocking Nature’ project. The scheme was created to improve the health and employment prospects of prisoners at HMP Wandsworth, with the aim of helping to break the cycle of reoffending. We were never permitted to share photographs of the project publicly, but we can now share the designs. In the end, three yards and a staff area were built.
We incorporated many principles of permaculture, and chickens and beehives were also successfully introduced.
The layout of the yards was designed to encourage healthier behavioural patterns, fitness and socialising. Large gaps between the borders were necessary to allow fire engine access to all areas at all times. To fill these voids, we used colour and pattern to bring the yards to life. This was particularly important as, for much of the time, they were viewed from the cells above. Each yard had its own distinctive pattern and colour palette.
The borders were built to seating height, creating social spaces while also having to meet stringent security protocols. In some areas, outdoor gym equipment was incorporated.
A horticulturist was employed, enabling prisoners to work towards their City & Guilds certificates in Practical Horticulture while gaining hands-on experience in hard landscaping, as well as growing and maintaining plants. Employment opportunities were arranged for prisoners upon release, with the support of the Worshipful Company of Gardeners through its Future Gardeners initiative.
One of the great joys of the project was working so closely with the prison staff. At every level, they were truly inspirational people — unseen heroes in society — who worked tirelessly alongside The Conservation Foundation to keep the project moving forward, even when government intervention made good work increasingly complicated.
Jeanne Bryant, Governor of HMP Wandsworth, said: “Unlocking Nature has undoubtedly contributed to an improvement in the environment for staff and men at Wandsworth, and I sincerely thank everyone involved for this. You will leave a legacy which will be maintained and appreciated in years to come."
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