A little bit of The Good Life has just landed in a field near Kendal, reports Jennie Dennett.

A team has begun tilling the soil at Low Sizergh to take advantage of the restorative powers of labouring in the great outdoors.

A new not-for-profit company is creating work opportunities for people with mental health problems through cultivating organic fruit and vegetables.

"It's about creating a stepping stone for people to get back to work," explained Beren Aldridge, manager of the aptly-named operation Growing Well. "It's hard to go from not working at all. This is helping people get used to the work environment and gain confidence."

With the support of the Low Sizergh Barn shop, Growing Well is renting five acres on its land. The five volunteers who have already signed up have joined the four project staff in ploughing, rotavating and digging the plot to prepare for cultivation. Some £15,000 worth of polytunnels have also been put up to extend the growing season and expand their crop choice.

"We plan to grow almost everything you can think of," enthused Mr Aldridge. "Salad crops, cucumbers, peppers, aubergines, carrot, parsnips, beans, peas, the lot."

In keeping with the project ethos and the principles of its Low Sizergh hosts, everything will be chemical free.

"We are considering the well-being of people and the well-being of the land. It's also filling a big gap in the market for locally-grown organic produce."

The project has been realised thanks to a healthy £185,000 grant from Rural Regeneration Cumbria as well as backing from Leader Plus, Northern Rock, Cumbria County Council and the Frieda Scott Trust. Long term, Growing Well hopes to make enough cash through selling its produce to become largely self-sufficient. Low Sizergh Barn and the Howbarrow Farm Shop organic box scheme are both supporting the scheme and are committed to selling the fruits of the voluntary labour.

In a new development, Growing Well has also teamed up with Kendal College and will be offering NVQs in horticulture on day release as well as a horticulture leisure course.

Teaching these will be Growing Well staffer and horticulturalist Debbie Greenwood.

Her students will make use of the project's three on-site yurts - circular Mongolian-style tents which house a large propagator and a cosy classroom kept toasty with a wood-burning stove.

Kendal College principal Graham Wilkinson said the set up with Growing Well was "a partnership made in heaven".

"Not only are they providing courses but, hopefully, as this gets going we can also buy food from them for our restaurant. I'm very excited to be a part of the project."

Meanwhile, Growing Well is hoping to recruit more volunteers to work in the fields and in the office.

They already have at least one glowing endorsement from volunteer Duncan Elliott, who used to be in computing and now believes that a bit of outdoor toil really does hold healing powers.

"It gives you a sense of well being because you are doing something real and you can see the fruits of your labour.

"I haven't worked for about five years after suffering severe depression therefore its difficult to offer an employer something new, rather than work experience that relates to five years ago.

"Working with Growing Well, not only am I enjoying myself and building my confidence but over time I can turn round to an employer and have fresh experience and a reference."

l People who have suffered mental health problems and would like to get involved, or those who would like to find out more about the horticulture courses can contact Growing Well on 015395-61777.