A PROJECT aimed at helping people to improve their mental health by getting into the great outdoors has been hailed as a real success.

People Enjoying Nature (PEN) is an outreach project at Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership, which sees people dealing with mental health issues and isolation take part in supported outdoor activities.

The project helps to keep the Pendle Hill landscape pristine for others to enjoy by encouraging participants to engage in projects in the area and build new friendships.

Each session took between 12 to 15 participants and included a weekly trip to Pendle Hill, wildflower planting, arts in the environment and geocaching.

It was delivered in partnership by Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust’s community restart team and the Forest of Bowland team and included a programme of activities taking place between March and October this year.

The pilot programme, led by the Forest of Bowland, engaged with 30 people who left positive feedback about the sessions.

Elaine Butt, of Lancashire Care’s community restart team, said: “The pilot was a huge success and all of those who took part thoroughly enjoyed it.

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