Outside Time

Outside Time Synopsis

A timely, passionate treatise about the politics and practicalities of bringing food to the prison table. Part history, part memoir, Outside Time chronicles the trials and tribulations of staff and inmates who have kept farming and growing at the heart of UK prisons for more than 175 years. Outside Time weaves together sustainability, identity and wellbeing within a wider narrative of change and redemption.

Twenty years ago, the prison service was the third largest farming operation in the country. Widely recognized as therapeutic and rehabilitative, prisoners gained qualifications and transferable skills whilst working the land and saving heritage livestock from extinction. Ten years ago, the majority of prison farms closed.

Now, prisoners growing their own food is taking root again.