Does prison location matter for prisoner wellbeing? The effect of surrounding greenspace on self-harm and violence in prisons in England and Wales

• Considers wellbeing of incarcerated communities in prison siting. GIS used to measure greenspace buffer zones around UK prisons. Finds less self-harm and violence prisons with more the zone. Concludes that prisoner should influence future Findings suggest still benefits individuals whom it is not visible. Research on location primarily focuses relationships local impact distance visitation. Considering issue a different manner, this paper deploys methodology determine whether characteristics can prisoners themselves. The presence greenspace, blue space major roads 500m zone surrounding England Wales was calculated using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). An econometric analysis then undertaken examining data relation official statistics at institutional level. Econometric estimations confirmed there are lower levels higher percentages These statistically robust, they persist when we control for size, type, age, level crowding. findings may be influenced by sites, accordingly, these considered locations selected. Based initial findings, outline potential research further examine effect environmental features