More than 22,000 people have engaged with the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership over the last four and a half years. 

The scheme which has now come to a close has seen 1,930 volunteer days, 233 events held with 10,008 in attendance, and 57 schools getting involved in outdoor learning.

The £1.8 million National Lottery Heritage Fund supported programme aimed to foster engagement and re-connect people with the landscape and heritage of Pendle Hill.

It leaves a legacy that includes conservation from planting trees and tackling climate change, to restoring hedgerows and wildflower meadows.

Programme manager, Cathy Hopley, said: “It’s been an exciting and fast-paced programme, that’s delivered far-ranging, diverse projects with a clear, positive benefit on individuals, our environment, and the community at large.”

Practical projects saw 18 hectares of peatland and five hectares of woodland restored, 19 hectares of woodland created, almost four miles of hedges and 1,000 metres of wall restored, as well as 5.6 miles of routes created or repaired.

There were mental health sessions, cooking sessions, art events, mini beast hunts, archaeological explorations, learning events and so much more that were attended by thousands of people.

Managed by the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership has brought together 14 projects to celebrate and engage people in the landscape.

The iconic Pendle Hill on the edge of the Forest of Bowland is within reach of many urban communities, and it creates a beautiful backdrop to their lives.

The team have worked with the Dry-Stone Walling Association, Ribble Rivers Trust the Lancashire and Westmorland Hedgelaying Association, encouraged nature friendly farming, and worked with the local Pakistani community to look at links to nature and their faith.