LandWorks: Growing Brighter Futures
LandWorks is an award-winning charity, based in Devon, that provides a supported route back into work and community, for those who are in prison or on probation. We’re proud to be spotlighting LandWorks and raising money for their mission, through the sale of our Midnight Chrysanthemum print series.
Across just two acres of land, trainees, staff and volunteers work together to grow and create an abundance of produce - all for sale to the local community. Their sustainably operated market garden offers a range of vegetables, herbs and freshly laid eggs while the woodwork shop and pottery studio generate handcrafted objects to be enjoyed for years to come.
“Participation in these enterprises builds social skills, increases self-worth, and encourages self-responsibility. Alongside this core training, LandWorks provides practical resettlement support and counselling to ensure a holistic response to the needs and challenges faced by ex-offenders.”
Directed and produced by LandWorks supporters Graeme and Jennie Montgomery, One Day is an award-winning short film about LandWorks’ pioneering approach to prisoner resettlement.
But it doesn’t have to be this way: LandWorks was founded in 2013 with a clear vision and mission - “to reduce reoffending, improve individual wellbeing, and change attitudes towards offenders in wider society.”
And flash forward 10 years, they have done just that - supporting over 200 trainees in that time to tackle the root causes of their offending, learn new skills and spend time outdoors.
“LandWorks offers people on placement a safe place to be vulnerable; a place to build trusting, non-judgemental relationships; a place to find acceptance; and above all, a chance to develop a non-criminal identity.”
Working to organic principles, vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown on site with no agrochemical pesticides, fungicides or fertilisers. Trainees are involved at every stage; prepping the ground and sowing seeds, collecting eggs and cutting flowers - all the while nurturing growth in themselves as well as the earth.
The benefits of this could not be clearer - “time spent outdoors, close to nature, offers people on placement an oasis of calm and stability in contrast to the chaos of their daily lives.”
This mission strongly aligns with our own, as we are dedicated to encouraging deeper connection and empathy with the natural world. By fostering greater awareness and appreciation, we aim to inspire people to engage meaningfully with their surroundings and recognise the value of protecting and nurturing the environment we all share.
In light of this, we are proud to announce the release of a brand new print series Midnight Chrysanthemum. Each print in the series of three will be available to buy for £50, with 20% of profits being donated straight to LandWorks. By purchasing a print (or 3) you’re not just collecting - you’re helping create real, positive change in people’s lives.
Image credits: LandWorks
