The Environment Partnership (TEP) Ltd was commissioned by Natural England in October 2024 to provide a refresh to the Forest of Bowland Landscape Character Assessment (originally produced in 2008). The Forest of Bowland National Landscape is one of 34 National Landscapes in England, which are protected to conserve and enhance natural beauty.
The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive assessment of landscape character across the Forest of Bowland to inform land use planning and land management decisions. The Forest of Bowland Landscape Character Assessment 2025 supersedes the 2008 Landscape Character Assessment.
Landscape Character Type and Landscape Character Area boundaries were reviewed and amended where necessary to reflect changes to the landscape since 2008. The Forest of Bowland Landscape Character Assessment identifies 13 Landscape Character Types and these Landscape Character Types are further sub-divided into 73 Landscape Character Areas. The Forest of Bowland Landscape Character Assessment describes each of these Landscape Character Types and Landscape Character Areas using a combination of text, maps and photographs to provide a summary description of characteristics, sensitivities, forces for change and management guidelines.
This Landscape Character Assessment is of relevance to anyone who has an interest in the landscape of the Forest of Bowland. The main applications for the document are to:
- Promote what is special and contributes to a sense of place in the Forest of Bowland.
- Provide area specific guidance to landowners and land managers to help protect and enhance distinctive elements of landscape character.
- Provide guidance to developers to help prepare proposals which make a positive contribution to landscape and sense of place.
- Assist development management officers to understand whether proposals will make a positive contribution to landscape character and assist in providing guidance on mitigation measures.
- Provide information for use by the general public and interest groups who may have a personal interest in the landscape around where they live.