Plants linked to lower levels of violence and self-harm in prisons

Researchers say England and Wales study shows demonstrable benefits for prisoners in all categories

Green space has been shown to boost learning, improve recovery from hospital operations and lower the risk of mental disorders. Now the power of plants has been linked to lower levels of violence and self-harm in prisons.

Researchers mapped the percentage of green space - trees, lawns and shrubbery - within prisons in England and Wales and compared it with incidents of self-harm, prisoner assaults on staff and violence between prisoners.