We are currently in dialogue with several prisons which are in the process of establishing Quiet Garden spaces. These may be reclaiming barren land near a Chapel, transforming exercise yards, or creating garden space adjacent to Education or Health units. There are many possibilities - usage can be for staff or prisoners. 

HMP Bedford is the home of the first Quiet Garden in a prison. Following a visit from the Director of the Quiet Garden Movement, the prison, Head of Management caught the vision to transform a sterile, concrete, neglected exercise yard, adjacent to the Health Wing.  Funding was made available from the prison and a local garden centre provided advice and support from their main garden designer, who was glad for this to be an expression of his own faith. The small yard is now an attractive area with raised beds of shrubs and flowers, plants in patio pots and new seating. 

The Healthcare Care patients are able to develop their own skills and sense of responsibility by maintaining the area and keeping it clean. In a prison environment of harsh sounds, wire fences and brick walls, the garden provides a welcome breathing space which has demonstrably enhanced the well-being of patients. This improvement has been measurable as the numbers on constant watch have been reduced due to improved socialisation of patients. The initiative in Bedford prison has spawned a wider initiative to take this life-giving concept into other prison contexts.

Please contact The Quiet Garden Coordinator on quiet.garden@ukonline.co.uk for further information.