Innovative Nature Project Inspired by Japan Proven to Improve Wellbeing

An innovative project around Pendle Hill, 72 Seasons, has improved the wellbeing of hundreds of people who took part, by enhancing their connection to nature.

The project began in March 2019, with 310 people taking part during 2020, volunteering 3,564 hours. The results showed their improved wellbeing led to 579 fewer GP visits in 2020, saving £17,370 to the NHS.

The results showed improved sleep and reduced loneliness, helping participants feel more connected, even during the pandemic; 94% agreed with the statement ‘being connected to nature brings me joy’ after taking part.

The idea was inspired by the Japanese ancient natural calendar. Unlike our traditional four seasons, in ancient Japan they divided the year into 72 micro seasons, each lasting around five days, presenting a poetic journey in which the land awakens and blooms with life and activity before returning to winter.

Pendle’s Kirsty Rose Parker came up with the idea after talking to Cathy Hopley, who is Programme Manager at the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Kirsty said: “I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, so was seeking ways to make it manageable. I was talking to Cathy about how walking and nature makes you feel better, but we’d got so busy with life, we’d forgotten to prioritise it. When I heard about the concept of 72 Seasons, I thought maybe I could translate the idea to the Pendle landscape, and break the winter into manageable chunks.”

In Japan, short poetic descriptions describe each season. In March ‘Caterpillars become butterflies’, and in May, ‘Frogs start singing’.

Kirsty said: “There’s quite a lot of inequality in green space. People who live in tree-lined spaces tend to be better off, and people who live in urban tower blocks don’t have the same experiences. I was thinking of all these things and it came together. In the Japanese version, there’s things like ‘Bears came out of their den’, that’s not applicable in the UK. I thought, let’s rewrite 72 Seasons for Pendle Hill, let’s make it our own.”

Kirsty has a degree in economics but also spent over a decade working the arts. As a qualified social return on investment practitioner and director of The Evaluator, which offers project evaluation services, she was well-qualified to lead the project. Kirsty spent a year monitoring the seasons, and undertook research, consulting the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, local GPs, and academics to inform the best ways to engage and encourage connection with nature.

The project engages the five ways to wellbeing identified by the New Economics Foundation, which are to connect, take notice, give back, keep learning and be active.

Kirsty said: “There’s a lot of research into why nature is good for us, and it’s evidenced to reduce blood pressure and improve mood, but I wanted to know how to engage and enhance that connection for people. 72 Seasons ticked all the boxes, and we used art and poetry to strengthen that meaning and connection.”

Kirsty created the words for each season, and local artist Cath Ford illustrated them.

The project was supported by the Forest of Bowland AONB, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund as a part of the Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership (PHLP).

The PHLP is a four-year funded programme of activity which seeks to conserve and enhance the landscape and heritage of the Pendle Hill area, whilst also seeking to reconnect people with Pendle Hill.

Cathy Hopley, Programme Manager at Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme, said: “The impact of 72 Seasons was very closely monitored and evaluated, and the results are astonishing. We wanted to evidence how we connect to nature and its physical and mental impacts, which makes cost savings to the NHS and wider economy. Connecting with nature is a free and an accessible intervention.”

Initially planned as a face-to-face ‘Year of Adventure’ for local people, the project moved online to be Covidsafe. Participants read 2,730 emails about nature and completed 1,154 surveys about their health, wellbeing and what they had noticed, with the option to join a dedicated 72 Seasons Facebook group.

Kirsty explained: “We revealed three seasons at a time, so it wasn’t overwhelming. The emails we sent included encouraging people to give snowdrops a sniff, stamping on frosty puddles, and listening to birds.”

The project ensured anyone could engage, in their own pace. One participant, Jackie had been shielding while caring for her husband who has Parkinson’s.

Kirsty said: “Jackie had a traumatic year but has been so positive about how much she enjoyed 72 Seasons, even though she’s only been able to observe nature from her doorstep and small back garden. You can engage with nature in a gentle way, it doesn’t have to be stonking 10mile hikes up a hill, that’s one thing I’m passionate about. Even before the pandemic, I wanted an online option because I work full-time and have a five-year-old, and two older children. Normally that means you can’t take part in things like this because you can’t go out in the evenings, and you work full-time. So, I had that in the back of my mind, to make sure anyone could have a go.”

The Pendle Hill Landscape Partnership Scheme is now looking at developing 72 Seasons further, to engage more people, in face-to-face sessions, as well as a potential toolkit others can adopt.

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A DEDICATED COLUMN FOR ALL YOU DIY LOVERS AND PROFESSIONALS WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN INDUSTRY

IN THE MOOD TO DECORATE?

During the pandemic, there has been a surge in do-it-yourself (DIY) home improvement as people have used some of their extra time at home to undertake projects that accommodate changes to their lifestyle. While the overall home improvement market is expected to remain strong in the future, it is likely that this surge in DIY activity will fade and return to more normal levels. While there has been strong interest in home improvement projects during the pandemic, a surprisingly large share of this activity has been undertaken by homeowners themselves. Rather than turning homeowners into a new generation of handymen and handywomen, the pandemic has presented the opportunity for many to make progress on their longstanding “to-do” list of home improvement and maintenance projects. Over 71 percent of owners undertaking DIY projects during the pandemic report that they had planned these projects prior to the pandemic. People have been turning to social media for ideas and inspirations, but I thought I would give you some inspiration too! COLOUR CHOICES

Do you want your kitchen to feel warm and homely? You may want your bathroom to be a relaxing haven. Whether it’s soothing, relaxing or energising, is very much dependant on the décor. I strive to create schemes which are pleasing to the eye, but we also need to focus on how our homes can make us feel. The psychology of colour could help us find out what we should and shouldn’t be using to aid our wellbeing. To a certain extent, colour choice is very much subjective. Colours reflect a lot about our personality and our individual sense. Everyone reacts differently to colours, which is why it is important to not be led by trends, but to create an environment that suits your own needs. You want your designs to enable you to feel soothed by your own home, feel enlivened and lifted, to feel safe and protected. Colour and materials play a huge role in this. What should consider when choosing colours? • What atmosphere do you want to create in the individual room? • How do you want to feel in each space? • What do you want that room to say about you as a person? • Do you want the room to be contemporary or classic? • How long will it be before you decorate again? • Who makes the final choice? You alone or is it a family decision?

HOW DO YOU WANT TO FEEL?

Cosy and warm After a long hard day at work, you want to be able to walk to into a nice warm and cosy room to be able to switch off. You want an environment that nurtures and soothes. Warmer shades have very clearly been the trend colour this year so far. Pale Plaster pink tints to soft warm natural stone and earthy terracotta. These sorts of colours create warmth and an earthy feel. Energised Sometimes you want your room to give you energy and boost your mood. These are more so in areas such as kitchens. You may want to feel vitalised and lifted. You have to undertake chores in the kitchen, so the last thing you want to feel is relaxed! The kitchen is a social and creative space, where you want to feel inspired. It needs to be welcoming and uplifting. Orange is a positive and uplifting colour choice. It is stimulating and can keep you alert. It promotes creativity and the desire to use your hands – ideal for cooking. Other colours in this palette include peaches, or richer burnt shades, which can be used for busier rooms where they are used by multiple people. These colours also stimulate conversation and appetite! Other stimulating colours include turquoise and bright blues. Small accessories in these colours can quite easily give you the same feel. Let’s have a look at how the latest palettes to create the right ambience for you. Relaxed These create a tranquil feel in rooms. Plants can help purify our air and that shopping sustainably is better for the environment. You want to be able to wind down in a room, therefore, it is an obvious connection with nature. Warm natural stone shades or greens will bring a sense of peace. Soft olive tones have a very soothing effect, which will work particularly well in spaces like bedrooms or dining areas. These colours also create an elegant and comforting atmosphere. Try not to focus on just one colour and incorporate a few tones, to avoid making a room to overpowering. Grey creates tranquillity. Blues are a good choice too. Too much grey can create a sense of dullness and too much blue can be overpowering. Coordinate them together with white and you will create a calm sanctuary. There is no harm in introducing a splash of colour such mint, pink, or lilac. This will maintain the calmness but add a hint of charm.

WHAT TO AVOID

• Pure white – it is a bright colour and when sunlight streams on it, it intensifies and disrupts any sense of calm. • Bright red – It can evoke intense emotional and physical reaction.

It is even “colour of blood”, which can make your heart beat faster and leave you unsettled. Go for more earthier tones, as they create a soothing and cocooning mood. • Dark colours – Brown, navy and black can look elegant, but if you want the room to look brighter, then these colours will absorb light, leading to a duller space and create a cold environment. TIPS ON CHOOSING COLOURS

1Compliment your colours – choose a combination and think of the palette carefully.

2How do you want to feel in the space?

3Choose your furniture and wallpaper first, before your paint. This will make it easier to choose your palette.

4Don’t forget the lighting, as this will have a significant impact on the scheme. Consider natural lighting vs artificial lighting.

5Open plan rooms can be complicated, but make sure you have a transition between shades and use them to define distinct areas. I hope this gives my readers an insight to what they should consider. If you have anything specific you want me to talk about or have any other queries, then get in touch and I will address them in my future columns.

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PENRITH

By Megha Seth

Image: Penrith Castle

Penrith is located in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, less than 3 miles away from the Lake District National Park. It is now an important market town lined with traditional shops and refined arcades.

The history of Penrith is quite prosperous. Penrith’s position on the hotly disputed border with Scotland since the Roman times resulted in its development as a military centre. The location was based on a very strategic route. It was also the erstwhile capital of Cumbria. THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO VISIT IN PENRITH

Let’s take a look at the number of delightful spots that this charming town has tucked away for visitors. Rich in history and blessed abundantly in nature, Penrith has quite a few places that one must pay a visit to when in this part of the country.

Brougham Castle

The well-preserved ruins of this once glorious castle are set in a very picturesque location on the meadows of River Eamont. Although

abandoned 300 years ago, the striking ruins still do not fail to mesmerise as a visual and historical treat. No wonder it also became a centre of exploration by the evergreen poet William Wordsworth and was sketched by the worldrenowned English painter, W. Turner.

The Tower of League still stands tall providing a panoramic view of the Eden Valley, the keep and double gatehouse retain their magnificent charm. The labyrinth of passages and spiral stairways makes it a fun and interesting place to explore.

The castle was erected in the 13th century and being a military base was a place of strategic importance during The castle was erected in the 13th century and being a military base was a place o importance during the Scottish Wars of Independence. The 17th-century Robinson Building has a museum worth visiting that documents Penrith and Eden Valley’s his also houses priceless artifacts and a good collection of fine art.

the Scottish Wars of Independence. The 17th-century Robinson’s School Building has a museum worth visiting that documents Penrith and Eden Valley’s history and also houses priceless artefacts and a good collection of fine art. Lowther Castle And Gardens

tower which is built from sandstone debris, possibly used for defensive reasons as early as the 1100s and 1200s. The hub is composed of a smoother-dressed sandstone dating from the 1720s. While the interior Lowther Castle And Gardens gives it a Classical touch, with carved oak seats and galleries supported by painted Tuscan columns.

The Lowther Castle and Gardens is a perfect setting for an outing to soak in the beauty of Gothic architectural splendour. Nestled in the lush green gardens spreading over large acres of land, the castle is a key visitor attraction in Penrith.

The roof was removed after the Second World War when the Lowther Family had to leave their mansion for financial reasons and the property began to disintegrate. A conservation plan was soon put into place at the beginning of the 2000s.

You can witness the Gothic arch, ornamental canopies, towers, vaulted galleries, and pinnacles. The grounds have beautiful terraces and grand avenues, with the addition of a new playground. The Lost Castle, which is the largest wooden playground in the country is a part of this stately property. It is made up of 11 miles of sustainably sourced timber. St Andrew’s Church

Penrith is a gem for architectural and monumental splendour. Another Grade I-listed monument that makes it to the list of must-visit places is St. Andrew’s Church, Penrith’s parish church. This beauty is an exceptional mix of Georgian and Gothic styles.

Monuments give us a detailed idea about the cultural and historical prosperity of a certain period. The oldest part of this ancient church is the

The stained glass window The Lowther Castle and Gardens is a at the East end, in the altar, is perfect setting for an outing to soak in the be Gothic architectural splendor. Nestled i breathtakingly striking, framed n the lush green gardens spreading over lar of land, the castle is a key visitor attract by murals. This masterpiece was installed in 1870. The graveyard ion in Penrith. houses the mystical Giant’s Thumb, which is a Norse cross carved in 920. It is a monument to the King of Cumbria. Aira Force The 21-meter Aira Force is the most striking and prized waterfalls of the Lake District. It is situated in a National Trust park which is on the west side of Ullswater. Again, a source of visual inspiration for the nature lover and renowned poet Wordsworth, Aira Force has been referred to in several Wordsworth poems, including Daffodils. The Howard family in the 19th century have helped enhance the environment aesthetically and naturally. They installed a plant house in the canyon which is dotted with over 200 cedars, pines, spruces, and firs. A majestic Sitka spruce now stands tall, which is more than 35 meters high. This addition only gives it a more magical touch, as one can see from the breathtaking backdrop. You can take in the mesmerizing views in its full glory of Aira from the two stone bridges - one at the foot and the other at the top.

RELAXING RESPITES

Ullswater is considered the most beautiful lake in England. It’s a glacial ribbon lake and has a unique elongated zigzag shape. The landforms on its shore, like Hallin Fell and Place Fell, have a very visually assertive influence.

Sightseers have always made it a point to pay a mandatory visit to this mesmerizing natural beauty since the 18th century. Steamers are available from Pooley Bridge, the first stop from Penrith, and can be seen all year round. Boat trips offered at Ullswater have always been serene. The oldest boat of the fleet, Lady of the Lake, was launched in 1877. The steamers are the best way to cover a chunk of this beautiful lake and also take in the view of several other landforms on its shore.

Various fun, adrenaline-pumping water activities are also offered on Ullswater, like sailing, paddle-boarding, and canoeing.

There are many things that make it to vacation or traveling requisites. Lodging is something that certainly makes it to the top of the list. So here are a few comfortable places where you can seek accommodation Ullswater is considered the most beautiful lake in England. It’s a glacial ribbo when in Penrith. n lake and has a uni have que elongated a very visually zigzag asserti shape. The landf ve influence. orms on its shore, like Hallin FellThe George Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western and Place Fell, Sightseers have always made it a point to pay a mandatory visit to this mesmerizing natural beauty since the 18th century. Steamers are available from Pooley Bridge, the first stop from Penrith, and can be seen all year round. Boat trips offered at Ullswater have always been serene. The oldest boat of the fleet, Lady of the Lake, was launched in 1877. The steamers are the best way to cover a chunk of this beautiful lake and also take in the view of several other landforms on its shore. Various fun, adrenaline-pumping water activities are also offered on Ullswater, like sailing, paddleboarding, and canoeing. The George Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western The George Hotel, Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western

Lake District National Park

Lake District National Park

The George Hotel by Best Western is a perfect blend of traditional hospitality and exquisite comfort. A beautiful Victorian building with original features and lovely clean rooms, the prime location of the hotel at the centre of The George Hotel by Best Western is a perfect blend of traditional hospitality and exq comfort. A beautiful Victorian building with original features and lovely clean rooms, th prime location of the hotel at the center of the market town makes it a desirable spot f seeking accommodation. It also has a fine dine restaurant and an all-day bar. We give The George Hotel by Best Western is a perfect blend of traditional hospitality and exq comfort. A beautiful Victorian building with original features and lovely clean rooms, th prime location of the hotel at the center of the market town makes it a desirable spot f the market town makes it a desirable spot for seeking plus one for having pet-friendly lodging rules. Experience high-quality comfortseeking accommodation. It also has a fine dine restaurant and an all-day bar. in this hWe give accommodation. It also has a fine dine restaurant and an base.plus one for having pet-friendly lodging rules. Experience high-quality comfort in this h all-day bar. We give it a plus one for having pet-friendly base. lodging rules. Experience high-quality comfort in this homely base.Roundthorn Country House & Luxury Apartments Roundthorn Country House & Luxury Apartments

Roundthorn Country House & Luxury Apartments

The Lake District National Park is a half an hour drive from Penrith. In this World Heritage Site, soak in the striking views that nature has to offer in its entirety. There is always scope for adventures! From visiting its deepest lake, Wastwater, to its highest peak, Scafell Pike, a day spent at Lake District National Park is a day spent satisfied and at one with nature. Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre

The Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre houses over more than 150 native and exotic species of birds including owls, hawks, vultures, eagles, buzzards, and falcons.

Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, get your binoculars out! A promising day of visual and educational treat waits for you! A special flight demonstration also takes place every 2 hours in the mid-afternoon. There are specially designed aviaries housing the birds. You can also try a hand at handling a bird, supervised by an experienced keeper. The Centre is located in a beautiful walled garden by the entrance to the Lowther Castle. It is open from April to November. The Lake District National Park is a half an hour drive from Penrith. In this World Heritage Site, soak in the striking views that nature has to offer in its entirety. There is always scope for adventures! From visiting its deepest lake, Wastwater, to its highest peak, Scafell Pike, a day spent at Lake District National Park is a day spent satisfied and at one with nature. This self-catering apartment is a perfect place for a stayLakeland Bird of Prey Centre cation. The landscaped gardens and panoramic view of Eden Valley and Lakeland Fells give a perfect touch to this villa for a dreamy escapade in the lap of nature. All en The Lakeland Bird of Prey Centre houses over more than 150 nativesuite bedrooms are individually styled and have a private and exotic species of birds including owls, hawks, vultures, eagles, buzzards, and falcons. decking area. The bar and lounge area is where evening Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, get your binoculars out! A promising day of visuameals are served, just beside the log fires. There are l and educational treat waits for you! A special flight demonstration also takes place every 2several accolades to the name of The Roundthorn. hours in the mid-afternoon. There are specially designed aviaries housing the birds. You can also try a hand60 at handling a bird, supervised by an experienLANCASHIRE & NORTH WEST MAGAZINE ced keeper. www.lancmag.com The Centre is located in a beautiful walled garden by the entrance to the Lowther Castle It is

Ashberry Guest HouseAshberry Guest House

The Ashberry Guest House is known for its lovely rooms and hearty breakfasts. A 15 min walk from the Penrith railway station, the loyalty from visitors vouches for the hospitality of this delightful bed and breakfast. FLAVOURS OF PENRITH

Finding your way around the local and traditional palettes of a place is certainly one of the best ways to know your travel destination better. From king-sized breakfasts to sipping on some fine wine as you dine and feel the burst of flavours in your mouth, Penrith has a variety of restaurants, eateries, and pubs that you can choose from.

Chapter 12 Coffee Rooms & Bistro: One of the favourite breakfast and lunch spots, this cafe in Penrith is known for its fresh picks and delectable food. The courtesy of the staff never fails to impress.

Four & Twenty: Considered a real gem in Penrith, the Four & Twenty is acclaimed for its great selection of wine The Ashberry walk from the Guest House Penrith railwa is known y station, for the its lo lovel yalty y fr rooms and om visitors and dine on the menu. The proper hand-crafted and heavenly meals make it a must-visit!hearty breakfasts. A 15 min vouches for the hospitality of this delightful bed and breakfast. The Clickham Inn: This cosy and charming little pub has amazing food and an equally amazing atmosphere to go with it. Considered a great find by tourists and local Flavors Of Penrith visitors, unwind with your friend and family over some hearty meals and uplifting drinks. Finding your way around the local and traditional palettes of a place is certainly one of the best ways to know your travel destination better. From king-sized breakfasts to sipping on some fine wine as you dine and feel the burst of flavors in your mouth, Penrith has a variety of restaurants, eateries, and pubs that you can choose from. Chapter 12 Coffee Rooms & Bistro: One of the favorite breakfast and lunch spots, this cafe in Penrith is known for its fresh picks and delectable food. The courtesy of the staff never fails to impress. Penrith is certainly a visitor’s find and keeps for a perfect and relaxing vacation away from the monotony of everyday life. From exploring the beauty of grand castles to diving straight into the lap of nature and so much more, the town has a mesmerizing charm of its own. This makes Penrith a refreshing and enjoyable tourist attraction. Four & Twenty: Considered a real gem in Penrith, the Four & Twenty is acclaimed for its great selection of wine and dine on the menu. The proper hand-crafted and heavenly meals make it a must-visit!

The Clickham Inn: This cozy and charming little pub has amazing food amazing atmosphere to go with it. Considered a great find by tourists an unwind with your friend and family over some hearty meals and uplifting Penrith is certainly a visitor’s find and keeps for a perfect and relaxing va the monotony of everyday life. From exploring the beauty of grand castle into the lap of nature and so much more, the town has a mesmerizing ch makes Penrith a refreshing and enjoyable tourist attraction.

Image: Penrith Beacon

The Real War of the Worlds UFO Encounter

By Jason Gleaves, international author of ‘UFO PHOTO’ and The Ufology Umbrella’ plus Ufonly on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Onstellar.

When people in general have a UFO sighting (Close Encounter) or experience, it is of course a special and sometimes overwhelming experience which generally lives with them for the rest of their lives, I can personally vouch and attest to that.

Not everyone manages to get proof or evidence of their sighting in the form of photographs or video footage or even accompanied by any other witnesses but if they do, can elevate the case into a whole new realm and level, mainly too authenticate, check or prove the validity and accuracy of their account and not just become hearsay. THIS CASE WAS ONE SUCH INSTANCE...

Way back on 15th August 1972 two university students (sighting photographer, Mr. Norihiro Sugimoto and other unknown) both aged 19 years old travelling around Kyushu, in the region of the beautiful sulfur valley of Iida Highlands in Kokonoe, Japan, witnessed and photographed a very unusual unidentified flying object, flying in an erratic manner, very reminiscing of the Hollywood movie War of the Worlds.

Not only did they not recognize what the object was, as it didn’t resemble any known aircraft in use at the time (Rotor or fixed wing) but as seen in a few images (6 separate in total) the object appears to be emitting some kind of laser or light beam, reddish, orange in colour as if surveying or looking for something in particular. The object is recorded and seen moving so we can certainly conclude it was moving under intelligent control.

The 6 separate images are of a decent print quality to be analysed and were taken using the older 35mm camera film format, pre-digital. Also in conjunction with the images is a partial detailed aerial map (very basic but sufficient) showing the different positions the object was photographed in, relating to the location and subject images.

Eyewitness reports and photographs were provided to Mr Osamu Sato, a UFO researcher in Kyushu, Japan,

who went on to investigate the case (conclusion unknown). Mr. Osamu Sato established the Sky People Association in 1992. In June of 1992, the Sky People Association issued an institution magazine “Flying Saucer’s Phenomenon”. This amazing and fascinating series of pictures was published in the first issue of that publication which went on to be a huge success and very popular.

Upon analysing the images by upscaling the media this vastly reduces the pixelation process thus giving a more accurate detailed view, further enlargement and enhancement reveals even more detail of the object and surrounding location showing trees and foliage, which is also important for perspective ratios etc.

VERDICT:- UNKNOWN ORIGIN, UNIDENTIFIED.

Thank you to fellow ufologist Kiyoshi Amamiya for his help in translating the fascinating Ufo case notes to English. Kiyoshi Amamiya - 清 天宮 Japanese Ufologist (CBA).