In 2025, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape launched its imaginative Champion Species initiative—an engaging campaign designed to protect some of Bowland’s most vulnerable wildlife while inspiring the public and local businesses to get involved.
Champion Species forms a key strand of Bowland’s wider Nature Recovery Plan, a long-term commitment to restoring and enhancing the National Landscape’s mosaic of moorland, woodland, river corridors and farmland.
To bring the species to life, the Forest of Bowland team partnered with Salt Marsh Studio to create a bespoke collection of illustrated pin badges and print products. Sustainably produced in the UK using recycled eco-metals, the badges offer a greener alternative to traditional enamel pins and provide a new way for visitors and residents to connect with Bowland’s wildlife.
Proceeds from all badge and product sales go directly to Champion Bowland’s small grants fund, helping to deliver grassroots conservation projects across the National Landscape.
A key element of the initiative is the Sponsor a Species scheme—an opportunity for local businesses to align themselves with a Bowland species that reflects their ethos and values.
Through sponsorship, businesses can:
- Demonstrate genuine commitment to nature recovery
- Enhance brand identity by linking with a meaningful environmental cause
- Join a growing network of organisations championing Bowland’s wildlife
- Support on-the-ground conservation work across the National Landscape
The scheme is designed to be simple, accessible, and mutually beneficial, enabling businesses of all sizes to play an active role in protecting Bowland’s natural heritage.
Businesses and organisations interested in sponsoring a species are encouraged to get in touch, please email: hetty.byrne@lancashire.gov.uk
Sponsor a Species Supporters
A special thank you to the businesses listed who have sponsored one of Bowland's 14 Champion Species:
- Little Oakhurst Glamping - curlew
- Bowland Retreat Lodges - juniper
- Carter Fold Farm - swift
- Bowland and Bay Artisan Food Adventures - bilberry bumblebee
- Bowland Fitness - hen harrier
- Atkinsons Coffee Roasters - swift
- Farm on the Fell - curlew
- Bowland Holiday Cottages - curlew and hen harrier
- Boskins Barn - curlew