We are excited to announce that the Bowland Experience Ltd has been formed as a Company Limited by Guarantee as of August 2009. Initial directors are Robert Gardner (www.bleasdalecottages.co.uk), Edwina Miller (www.cobblehey.co.uk) and Jon Beavan (www.dalesbridge.co.uk). An inaugural General Meeting was held on 29 October 2009.

The Bowland Tourism Environment Fund (BTEF) will have a 51% controlling interest. This to ensure that BEx works within the objectives of the BTEF (as above) and that any profits which are made by the company will go to BTEF.

The domain name www.bowlandexperience.com has been registered and website is under construction. This will include a searchable members' database and links to their own sites.

We will be in touch soon with more details of how tourism businesses can get involved or follow this link to find out more.

Members of the Company will be:

(a) individuals who have attained the age of 16 who support the objects of the Company and who have agreed to pay the initial and/or annual subscription as determined by the Board;

(b) organisations who are also members of the 'Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network,' who support the objects of the Company and who have agreed to pay the initial and/or annual subscription as determined by the Board;

(c) the company known as Bowland Tourism Environment Fund as represented by its governing body for the time being, which shall count as a single member.

Discounts for members have been negotiated from a janitorial supplier and plans are being made for providing Welcome Walkers and Cyclists training courses early in 2010.

BEx will also act as the vehicle for producing tourism information, literature, etc for the AONB, with private sector contributions.