Prison teaches inmates to run farm on site

On the site of the farm is livestock, including pigs, cattle and sheep

A women's open prison is teaching its inmates to look after livestock, drive tractors and run an on-site farm.

East Sutton Park Prison in Maidstone, Kent, allows people to work on the farm to supply prison kitchens with the food and learn skills to help them find work upon release.

The farm, based at the Category D open prison and young offenders' institution, holds livestock, including cattle, sheep and pigs – some of which are named after prison officers.

One prisoner, who we are calling Alice, said: "We sort the pigs out, we feed them, muck them out, make sure they are happy and healthy. I love working with them."

She said it was her first port of call when she arrived at the prison.

"Farming, to me, is really special. I found it to be a brilliant escape from everything I've ever known," she said.

Alice added that everyone at the prison wanted to work on the farm, so she felt "privileged" that she could do it.

The farm has been based on the site of the prison since it was formed in the 1940s.

The commercial flock at the farm is made up of 35 sheep, with plans to expand to 50 or 60.

Lisa, another inmate at the prison, said: "I love the outdoors, animals and being close to nature.

"We are a good team here."

She added that some of the pigs on the farm were named after officers working at the prison.