AN ambitious scheme, employing the joys of East Lancashire’s countryside to improve the outlook for those with mental health issues, is now underway.

Pendle Hill and the Forest of Bowland (FoB) will both feature in the 12-week People Enjoying Nature (PEN) project, piloted by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.

Weekly trips to the hill and surrounding nature havens are planned by the Community Restart Team, which works with people who may be socially excluded.

While out and about, those taking part could embark on anything from wildflower planting to arts workshops in the outdoors, archaeology and geo-caching.

Elaine Butt, the co-ordinator, said: “Getting outdoors can have lots of benefits on our mental and physical health and here in East Lancashire we’ re really lucky to have such beautiful surroundings on our doorstep, including Pendle Hill.

“The PEN project aims to support people to get together and socialise but also to get outdoors and enjoy activities that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to.”

Once the trial initiative has been undertaken, medics will survey those involved to see what activities would be most appropriate for a longer-term version of the effort.

Rangers from the Forest of Bowland have taken an active role in PEN already.

Under the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership, a hefty donation of outdoor clothing and footwear has been secured from supplier Rohan’s Gift Your Gear campaign.

Cathy Hopley, FoB development officer, said: “The activities range from arts in the environment to community archaeology, bushcraft to basic navigation skills, involving local artists, providers and instructors.

“But all have the common theme of taking place outdoors within the Pendle Hill landscape.”

The PEN project, which will work with other groups, is expected to begin after Easter.