We model and study the patterns created through the interaction
of collectively moving self-propelled particles (SPPs) and elastically tethered
obstacles. Simulations of an individual-based model reveal at least three distinct large-scale patterns: travelling bands, trails and moving clusters. This
motivates the derivation of a macroscopic partial differential equations model
for the interactions between the self-propelled particles and the obstacles, for
which we assume large tether stiffness. The result is a coupled system of non linear, non-local partial differential equations. Linear stability analysis shows
that patterning is expected if the interactions are strong enough and allows
for the predictions of pattern size from model parameters. The macroscopic
equations reveal that the obstacle interactions induce short-ranged SPP aggregation, irrespective of whether obstacles and SPPs are attractive or repulsive.