Five new "Landmark Trees" have been planted to celebrate the diamond anniversary of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, thanks to the help of local parish councils.
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape (formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. Known for its heather covered moorlands, wooded cloughs and distinctive stone villages, Bowland received its official status in 1964 and is recognised as being amongst the finest landscapes in the country.
Although the "forest" in the name refers to ancient hunting areas, rather than a large expanse of woodland, trees are a key component in Bowland's landscape and play a crucial role in the area's sense of place.
Following an invitation from the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership in autumn last year, five parish councils received funding to plant a Landmark Tree during the winter planting season and have recently begun to receive their commemorative tree plaques.
Sandra Silk, Project Officer with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership said, "Individual veteran trees can often be a focal point within communities, marking the passage of time and holding memories for generations of local residents and visitor alike. We hope these newly planted trees will play a similar role, establishing themselves as "Landmark Trees" in the decades ahead."
Sandra continued, "Landmark Trees can be found in many settings, from hedgerows to village greens. As they are lost through old age, disease and damaging storms we're in danger of losing that history too, so we're inviting people to nominate prominent Bowland trees which they feel may benefit from having a successor planted nearby."
Bowland with Leagram, Higham with West Close, Old Laund Booth, Roughlee Booth and Thornley with Wheatly Parish Councils took part in the Diamond Landmark Tree scheme and all have planted trees in areas which either have public access, or which are visible from a public right of way. Species include rowan, crab apple and oak.
Anyone interested in nominating a potential Bowland Landmark Tree is invited to contact Sandra Silk on 07973 923142 or to email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk.
