Bowland Crafted by Rail

Rail-linked Food, Arts and Sustainable Adventures

Are you a local food producer, artist, maker or craftsperson with a strong connection to the Forest of Bowland?

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape and Community Rail Lancashire are creating a new online directory to showcase the area's talented producers, artists, makers and craftspeople. By mapping businesses across the National Landscape, we aim to make it easier for visitors and residents to discover and support the people and products that give Bowland its unique character.

Community Rail Network funding logo

Alongside the directory, we are developing two new themed itineraries as part of the successful Eco Escapes initiative, focusing on locations that can be accessed sustainably, particularly by public transport and active travel. While not every business will feature within these new itineraries, we will seek to promote and link to businesses wherever possible through both the new routes and the 14 existing Eco Escapes itineraries that already cover the Forest of Bowland.

This project is supported by a grant from the Community Rail Development Fund.

Community Rail Lancashire Logo

Through Bowland Crafted by Rail, visitors will be connected with the people, products and traditions that make Bowland special, while being encouraged to travel by train, bus, walking and cycling. Alongside local producers, artists, makers and craftspeople, the itineraries highlight places to eat, stay and experience, helping visitors discover more of Bowland's distinctive landscape, culture and sense of place.

This is an opportunity to be part of a growing network of businesses and creatives helping to shape a regenerative visitor economy, where visitor spending supports local communities, celebrates local distinctiveness and strengthens connections to place.

If you would like to be considered for inclusion in the directory and related promotional activity, we'd be delighted to hear from you.

 

Please read the Eligibility Criteria and complete an Expression of Interest form at the bottom of this page.

Eligibility Criteria

The itineraries and directory aim to showcase businesses that contribute to the area's distinctive food, drink, arts and crafts offer.

Before completing the application form, please ensure that you meet the criteria relevant to your business:

Food & Drink Businesses

  • Your business is located within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, or is connected through wider Forest of Bowland National Landscape programmes and partnerships, and your products are grown, reared, produced, processed or substantially made within the National Landscape.
  • You have a physical outlet, venue or visitor-facing location where the public can purchase or experience your products.
  • You hold all relevant food hygiene registrations, licences and certifications required for your business.
  • You comply with all applicable business, trading, health and safety, and legal requirements.
People enjoying a food tour

Artists, Makers & Craftspeople

  • Your business is located within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape or is connected through wider Forest of Bowland National Landscape programmes and partnerships.
  • A substantial proportion of your work is inspired by, reflects, or celebrates the landscapes, wildlife, heritage, culture or communities of the Forest of Bowland.
  • You create, make, exhibit, sell or deliver experiences that can be accessed by visitors.
  • You operate as a legitimate business and comply with all relevant business regulations, trading standards and legal requirements.

Additional Consideration for All Applicants

Expression of Interest Form

If you'd like to be considered for inclusion, please complete:

Expression of Interest Form

If you have any questions, please do get in touch: Hetty Byrne, Tel: 01200 448000 or Email: hetty.byrne@lancashire.gov.uk 

 

Closing date: 31 October 2026