A prison farm in the UK is “doing more good” than Jeremy Clarkson’s Oxfordshire farm, according to a new report.
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour host purchased Diddly Squat farm in Chadlington back in 2008.
It has since been the main focus of the Prime Video show Clarkson’s Farm, which shows Mr Clarkson getting to grips with farming in the UK.
With four series to date and filming on a fifth underway, the documentary has proved to be a smash hit and has raised the profile of British farmers and their plight.
Yet Inside Time, the national newspaper for prisoners and detainees, has claimed that a prison farm is doing more good than Mr Clarkson’s own agricultural efforts.
HMP Haverigg is situated just outside the Lake District National Park in Cumbria and has just under 500 prisoners.
Inmates are now helping cultivate food at the spot through farming, which has led to the newspaper making the link to Mr Clarkson.
“Whilst TV personality Jeremy Clarkson is making a good living from farming on his reality TV show ‘Clarkson’s Farm’, perhaps the successes at HMP Haverigg are even greater,” read the article.
“HM Inspectorate of Prisons (HMIP) reveals that the prison has had great success in finding inmates work on local farms, and has its own agricultural section growing food for the prison.
“This, according to the latest inspection report, is helping all inside to prepare their lives for release, and is part of the reason the Prison Inspectorate have given the jail a glowing report.
“HMIP also praises the prison’s success in finding work for its residents in coffee shops and service industries.
“Inspectors described Haverigg as having become one of the country’s ‘most impressive jails’.”
The 490 men housed at the prison are convicted of sexual offences, and the article mentions a recent report notes that “excellent support in rehabilitation” is provided.
Described as “safe, decent, and effective”, Haverigg is highlighted in the article for its work with the inmates.
The Inside Time article added: “Haverigg has a mixed history, including being the site of a riot back in 2017 which led to the prison being closed, and facing criticism for failing to control drug use.”
“Amongst other work undertaken by those in Haverigg is maintenance of the prison, including its gardens, and work in the smokery.
“The report says Haverigg has created a curriculum “aimed at giving prisoners the skills that would help get work on release”.
Back in Oxfordshire and filming has started on Clarkson’s Farm series five at Diddly Squat Farm.
