The Oswin Project recognises the benefits of practical work experience and training and the therapeutic benefits of working in horticulture. To increase these benefits this summer we have launched two new ventures which will fully utilise the market gardens in HMP Northumberland.
Growing Out Shop
In Winter, the shop is open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 11am to 2.30pm.
Update 24/4/2024
This week’s Produce:
- Rhubarb (from thursday afternoon)
- Salad Greens
This week’s Plants:
- Tomato Hanging Baskets
- Xmas Flowering Cactus
- Purple Heart (Indoor)
This week’s Baked Goods:
- White Loaves
- Wholemeal Rolls
- White Rolls
- Sausage Rolls
- Fruit Scones
- Cherry Scones
- Cheese Scones
This week’s Pies & Quiche:
- Steak Pie
- Mince Pie
- Corned Beef & Potato Pie
- Quiche Lorraine
- Feta & Spinich Quiche
We sometimes have problems delivering fresh fruit and vegetables from the Prison to the shop, so we on occasion buy produce from local suppliers or use excess stock bought for our training bakery and sell them at cost price in the shop.
Growing Out Farm Shop, Adding Value
Based in one of the publicly accessible buildings outside the grounds of HMP Northumberland the farm shop sells plants and produce from the market garden and sandwiches, cakes and artisan bread produced in our Cafe 16 bakery in HMP Northumberland. Hot and cold drinks and locally made ice cream will also be available.
When you visit our farm shop you are not just purchasing plants and produce you are transforming lives by investing in the future of individuals and enabling them, supported by the Oswin Project, to make positive changes to their lives.
Who Benefits From The Profits?
The proceeds generated from sales will all go towards educational programs, vocational training and post-release support for prisoners and prison leavers, helping them lead purposeful and fulfilling lives and safer communities.
Get Involved
We welcome volunteers, supporters and partners who share our vision of fostering positive change through gardening and rehabilitation. Whether you have green fingers, a passion for social justice or simply a desire to make a difference, there are numerous ways you can get involved from volunteering your time in the garden to publicising our work; every contribution counts.
You can also support our aims by purchasing plants and produce from our farm shop or by making a direct order. By doing so, you not only bring home beautiful plants and fresh produce but also help break the cycle of reoffending, allowing individuals to rediscover their potential and contribute positively to society.
Join us in cultivating hope behind bars and making a lasting impact on the lives of those seeking a second chance. Together, we can sow the seeds of change and nurture a future filled with growth, redemption, and endless possibilities.
Contact Us & Join the Mailing List
Each week we email the mailing list about any produce we have available to buy. Fill in the form below to receive emails. If you have any questions, want to volunteer, or would like to support our cause, please contact us through the information provided below. If you wish to receive a list of available plants and place an order, please contact info@oswinproject.org.uk
Garden Furniture
The woodworking workshop in the Market Gardens makes a range of garden furniture using recycled pallets. You can download the furniture catalogue here and place an order by emailing. If you would like to send feedback about any furniture you’ve bought, please email info@oswinproject.org.uk
Growing Out Market Garden
Within the perimeter of HMP Northumberland, the market garden has long served as an oasis of growth and renewal. It has six polytunnels, several greenhouses, fields of strawberries and an orchard. Over the years, prisoners have learned valuable skills in horticulture, sustainable farming practices and the propagation of plants. The garden is a sanctuary, offering a calming environment that promotes the development of essential life skills. However, as there was no outlet for the produce much of it went to waste.
The Oswin Project will change this! While continuing to promote the beneficial effect and the training opportunities of the garden we will also develop a market for the produce and identify employment opportunities in horticulture for individuals.
Through the Oswin Project plants and produce will be available to the public. A wide selection will be on offer, including vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and some rare varieties. We take pride in providing high-quality plants that have been nurtured with care and commitment by the prisoners. We will also offer a selection of sustainably grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs all grown in our garden. These will be available for sale through our farm shop, which will open at the end of June, or can be purchased direct.
The fresh produce will also be used in our cafés in HMP Northumberland and Newcastle Cathedral, Any surplus will be donated to local food banks.
We are very grateful to SSAFA the Armed Forces Charity, who have provided advice and support for this project. More information on their work can be found here.
What People Say
“
The most striking aspect of entering the Market Garden is the space, the beautifully manicured lawns and then the realisation that it neither smells nor sounds like a prison. Whether it be the expansive strawberry fields bordered by orchards or the commercial garage containing three tractors or further into the grounds, the heated glass houses where palms and exotic plants are grown, this was truly a transformative experience.
– An Oswinner who worked in the Market Garden