Paul showed our group around a number of sites between Whitewell and Waddington Fell in what proved to be an absorbing insight into the rocks which form the Bowland sub-basin.  From crinoid-packed limestones to thick, dark mudstones and upland Pendle Grit sandstones, Paul built up a picture of this area as it would have been, back in the mists of geological time – a completely different Bowland than the one we know today!
We ended the day with a very interesting tour around the quarry on the top of Waddington Fell, led by our guide, Peter.  After kitting us out in hard hats, goggles and high-vis vests Peter explained the process from initial extraction, through sawing and crushing, to the stone masonry work which the quarry also carries out.
Earlier in the month we were treated to a poetry trail around Chipping, led by Michael Neary.  Michael knows the area well, having spent years working on repairing the field drains around the village.  Many of his poems are inspired by the landscape of this lovely part of Bowland – and his accessible style made for a very enjoyable morning's ramble.
Many thanks to all our events leaders during April!
May is a packed month in the Festival Bowland calendar, so why not look out for Birdsong and Breakfast on Saturday 4th; a series of walks to mark the 10th anniversary of the Garstang Walking Festival, starting on Friday 10th; the second stage of the Lancashire Witches Walk, from Barley to Spring Wood, on Saturday 11th; Discover Bowland: garden design history… on the evening of the 16th followed by a visit to Browsholme Hall gardens on Sunday 19th; a map and compass course at Beacon Fell Country Park on Saturday 25th and a guided mountain biking tour of Gisburn Forest on Tuesday 28th.  For art-lovers, the Steward's Gallery at Clitheroe Castle will be exhibiting a new body of work by Chris McLoughlin, based on the Forest of Bowland and surrounding area, from 18th May to 10th July.
For details of all these events and more see the full programme at http://www.forestofbowland.com/festivalevents or contact the AONB office on 01200 448000.