43.8% of rivers in the Forest of Bowland are classed as being in less than good condition (Defra PLTOF data 2024) with our headwater breeding grounds for fish under threat from the impacts of a changing climate, polluted run-off, and channel modification.
Our vision is that rivers and watercourses should be clean, with fewer man-made in-channel features; be allowed to follow their natural course; incorporate heritage features; and be reconnected to their floodplains wherever possible. Wetland habitats including wet woodland, flushes and flood plains are under threat of disconnection, drainage, pollution and development. There is a significant opportunity to greatly increase the number of small temporary and permanent wetlands on farmland, moorland and in woodland, to benefit a wide range of species
In Bowland there are three Catchment Partnerships working hard to support nature recovery and to improve water quality in local catchments.
