This initiative encourages local communities and targeted groups to take advantage of the mental wellbeing benefits offered through contact with the natural environment and involvement in horticulture and traditional countryside and craft skills.

The Offshoots Permaculture Project started in May 1997. Offshoots is housed in the old walled garden of Towneley Park, Burnley. The site had previously been a council depot and tree nursery that had stood derelict for 10 years. As a result of lots of hard work from legions of dedicated volunteers, Offshoots is now a thriving 1 acre organic fruit and vegetable garden boasting 5 different forms of eco-friendly buildings that are renewably powered and used daily.

Offshoots is a Community Project - it is managed by Groundwork Pennine Lancashire on behalf of the Offshoots Voluntary Management Committee. The Committee is made up of local people who are all actively involved with the Project. Offshoots achieves charitable status through the Permaculture Association.