What is Inside Out?
In 2022, The Nature Effect was invited by HMP Bullingdon to design and develop garden spaces that could support wellbeing, rehabilitation, and family connection. This collaboration led to the Inside Out Project, which focuses on creating restorative environments for men in custody—particularly those in the Incentivised Substance-Free Living (ISFL) program, as well as individuals at risk of self-harm or with more complex needs.
The project has three key strands:
-
Therapeutic Garden
A sensory-rich therapeutic garden is being established alongside the ISFL unit. Designed to encourage biodiversity, relaxation, and skill-building, it provides a calming space for men from Arncott wing to maintain, while also offering healthcare professionals a supportive setting for assessments and tailored interventions. -
Visitor Centre Garden
In partnership with the PACT charity, The Nature Effect has helped transform the prison’s Visitor Centre garden into a welcoming, nature-filled environment. This space supports children and families during visits, reducing stress and creating opportunities for outdoor play, with staff and volunteers trained to keep the garden thriving. -
Community Connections
The project also helps strengthen links between men leaving custody and community-based organisations. By connecting individuals and families with local gardening and green-space initiatives, Inside Out supports positive reintegration, continuity of care, and opportunities for meaningful engagement beyond the prison gates.
Progress so far (PACT Garden)
The garden at the Visitor Centre is now almost complete and was officially opened in June 2025. Now officially named the Bloom & Play Garden, it is a vibrant, interactive outdoor space designed to support family visits and child development. It features a range of engaging elements, including flowering plants, a slide and a willow dome, as well as a music wall, sand pit and other nature-based play installations.
Working with PACT, The Nature Effect has co-produced two family-friendly leaflets. These share ideas for making the most of the gardens and for simple, affordable nature-based play, both during visits and at home.
We have run six family sessions in the gardens, which generated great feedback from children, parents, and staff. Families have planted and harvested vegetables, searched for insects and joined in creative activities like weaving and chalking.
The INSIDE Garden
The ISFL Garden continues to make great progress and is already a highly impactful space, supporting the wellbeing and rehabilitation of men on the Incentivised Substance-Free Living wing at HMP Bullingdon.
-
Garden design agreed with staff and partners
-
Structural planting underway, with hedges now in place to boost biodiversity
-
First raised bed planted; more to follow once site works are completed
-
Surplus soil will be reused to fill remaining beds, reducing waste
Engagement on the ISFL Wing
Although the garden build has faced some delays, this time has allowed for meaningful co-creation with men on the ISFL wing. Monthly sessions with Nature Effect associates Charlotte and Phil have encouraged teamwork, skill-building, and a strong sense of ownership.
Activities so far include planting hedges, vegetables, and fruit; building seating and signage; watering and weeding; and helping with shed construction. The men have shown real pride in their contributions, with the garden already offering constructive activity, new skills, and the therapeutic benefits of nature.
With thanks to all of our donors and supporters including:
NHS England, The National Lottery, CAG, OCF, OCVA, Joey Beachamp, The National Garden Scheme, Bicester Retail, The Tree Council and Asgard.