ACCESS for all is the message of the month from Groundwork, who are campaigning to make footpaths and bridleways in East Lancashire open to everyone.

They have planned to raise awareness of the benefits of the outdoors by holding various events until May 5.

They are working alongside the British Telecom Countryside for All scheme to make more land open to disabled people. Two areas have recently been upgraded to make them suitable for disabled visitors, but they believe work is needed to make more paths accessible. The trail around the Calf Hey Reservoir, Haslingden Grane, is suitable for wheelchair users and part of the Anglezarke Woodland Trail, at Rivington, also caters for disabled people.

Groundwork are also targeting ethnic minorities who they believe often have no connection with the countryside and do not use the region for days out.

"It is easy to see how the countryside can seem an imposing place to visit with the old English images of wax jackets, green wellies and Land Rovers constantly displayed on our television screens and in magazines and newspapers," said Paul Blagbrough, at Groundwork.

"Groundwork and Lancashire County Council are developing a project aimed at improving access and raising awareness and appreciation of the countryside."

People are invited to take part in activities during Access Month:

Thursday April 25. A disability awareness day will be held at Groundwork Blackburn. Anyone can take part and the price is £5. Contact 01254 265163.

Saturday April 27, 1pm. Mike Gosling will lead people on a short minibus tour and walk to the Trough of Bowland to look at the geology of the Bowland layer. To book a place, ring 01995 602125.

Saturday, 1.45pm. Walkers can attend a moors rail ramble starting at Darwen railway station and lasting about three to four hours.

Saturday, 2pm. Children are encouraged to be a nature detective and take part in a walk to discover the wildlife of Wycoller Country Park, near Colne. The meeting place is Aisled Barn in the park and places can be booked on 01282 870253.

Sunday April 28, 11am. A guided walk around Roddlesworth, Tockholes, near Darwen, will set off from the Roddlesworth Information Centre for a moderate ramble of six to eight miles.

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