INSIDE JOB tending the Border Leicester flock has helped rehabilitate the young offenders
BORDER LEICESTER sheep have become a valued part of a young offenders’ rehabilitation programme in Northern Ireland.
Sheep were first introduced at Hydebank Wood College after vocational training officer, and part-time sheep farmer, Richard Graham, and senior officer of workshops and education, Michéle McElnea, witnessed the affects that agricultural and horticultural experiences were having within the prison.
“Here at Hydebank, we deliver NVQ level one qualifications in horticulture,” Mr Graham explained. “We teach young offenders how to grow vegetables, grow hanging baskets and shrubs, create Christmas wreaths and maintain the grassland. However, I always felt that we weren’t fulfilling our full scope.”