The Forest of Bowland is a landscape of outstanding natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and strong, resilient communities. It is a place shaped by centuries of careful stewardship, where people and nature have long existed in close relationship. This Management Plan sets out a shared vision for how that relationship can continue to thrive in the years ahead.
This Plan has been developed at a time of significant challenge and opportunity. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pressures on rural economies are increasingly evident, yet there is also growing recognition of the vital role that protected landscapes play in supporting nature recovery, wellbeing and sustainable livelihoods. As one of England’s National Landscapes, the Forest of Bowland has a crucial part to play in addressing these national and global challenges, while remaining firmly rooted in local priorities and partnerships.
I am grateful to everyone who has contributed their time, expertise and local knowledge to the development of this Plan. Engagement and partnership have been central throughout, ensuring that the outcomes and measures it contains are informed by experience on the ground and aligned with other strategies and initiatives across the area. This Plan is not intended to stand alone; it is a shared statement of intent, requiring collective action to turn ambitions into reality.
Looking ahead, delivery will be key. The Management Plan provides direction, but its success depends on continued collaboration, innovation and commitment from all those with a stake in the future of the Forest of Bowland. By working together, we can ensure that this special landscape remains distinctive, living and working, and rich in wildlife - now and for generations to come.
