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Nature Writing and Journalling Day - Thursday 22nd May

13th May 2025

Bowland Fells, image by Mark SutcliffeThursday 22nd May - 10:30am to 4:00pm

Join us this spring to explore the wonderfully wild Forest of Bowland for observation, conversation, reflection and a guided creative writing workshop in the middle of Gisburn Forest – Lancashire’s largest expanse of woodland.

 Learn how to look deeply at the natural world and record thoughts and feelings on paper or on your tablet. Get tips on blogging, digital photography, starting a nature diary and bringing it altogether in a regular journal.

 This workshop takes place in an idyllic rural location with direct access to woodlands and meadows and is led by Mark Sutcliffe, a former editor of Country Walking and Lakeland Walker magazines and a regular contributor to some of the UK’s leading outdoor magazines – including Countryfile, Landscape and Country Living.

 Much of the course content will take place outdoors, but participants will have full access to toilets and indoor spaces throughout the day.

 Mark will offer mentoring and guidance on finding your voice, fieldwork and observation, pace and structure and – perhaps most importantly – getting started and establishing a writing habit.

 This course is designed to help aspiring writers develop their own distinctive voice and style with a mix of observation, reflection, conversation and mentoring. It is suitable for writers who want to use tablets to capture and tell their stories and those who prefer more traditional techniques such as sketching and making field notes in a nature diary.

Suitable for adults and accompanied older children.

£45 per person

Please book via this link: LCC Events

Funding Extension for Successful Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme

19th March 2025

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership is excited to announce the extension of the Defra-funded Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme for an additional year, now running until the end of March 2026.Farming in Protected Landscapes Achievements infographic image

Since its launch in July 2021, this national initiative has involved over 7,000 farmers and land managers, supporting more than 4,600 projects in its first three years.

Grant funding is available for projects that align with Defra’s four themes: climate, nature, people and place, as well as the objectives outlined in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management Plan. The FiPL programme is delivered by Protected Landscapes across the country, including the dedicated team in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Over the past four years in the Forest of Bowland, the programme has provided numerous benefits, including engaging with over 300 expressions of interest and delivering 167 successful projects. Through FiPL, farmers and land managers have been supported in initiatives that foster nature recovery, mitigate climate change impacts, provide opportunities for people to explore and enjoy the landscape and cultural heritage and deliver sustainable, nature-friendly farming practices.

One notable example is Croasdale Farm, a working upland beef and sheep farm committed to habitat management and educational outreach. Their successful application facilitated ecological surveys, the purchase of machinery for bracken management, educational access equipment and the creation and management of hedgerows and woodlands.

Other examples include the restoration of traditional barns, with new or restored windows and doors allowing continued agricultural use of these important landscape features. Additionally, three farms – as part of wider applications - received funding for equipment to enable direct sales of their own produce to the public.

Tarja Wilson, Forest of Bowland National Landscape FiPL Lead Officer said: "The team are looking forward to working with farmers and landowners to deliver a further year of the FiPL programme. On a local level, we have seen some great projects delivered, which will benefit both the environment and those within it. Our key strength is our team, which is made up of advisors who live in the area and have grown up on working farms. We'd love to work with new applicants to help a wider range of local farmers during these challenging times."

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape FiPL team will shortly be releasing further details about the programme extension.
In the meantime, we would encourage you to complete an Expression of Interest form on our website. https://www.forestofbowland.com/farming-protected-landscapes

Uncover Bowland's Beauty: The 2025 Discover Bowland Guide Awaits

27th February 2025

Discover Bowland Guide CoverThe Forest of Bowland National Landscape team is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 ‘Discover Bowland’ Guide. This essential guide is perfect for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Bowland, whether you are a local eager to explore new areas or a visitor wanting to delve into the unique charm of this beautiful area.

The guide was officially launched on 26th February at Eight at Gazegill. The event was attended by over fifty members of the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Business network and partner organisations. Many of these partners contribute to the guide through advertisements, which help fund its production.

Delve into the pocket-friendly guide and discover Bowland on foot or by bike with our Eco Escapes itineraries. These thoughtfully crafted routes encourage you to slow down, embrace nature’s gentle rhythms and uncover Bowland’s hidden gems. Enjoy the changing seasons, savour delicious local food, engage in invigorating activities and relax in outstanding accommodation.

Festival Bowland got underway during the February half-term with the dynamic Dark Skies Festival. With events scheduled throughout the year, the Festival Bowland programme celebrates nature, landscape, culture and heritage, offering something for everyone.

Eight at GazegillLearn about fantastic projects that connect the arts with health and wellbeing, read inspiring stories from women in farming, and discover how the whole family can enjoy Bowland’s wonders year-round.

The National Landscape Team has had an industrious year in 2024, developing and delivering numerous exciting projects. Explore our nature recovery plans, curlew awards, access for all developments and support for farmers and landowners through our Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme.

The guide will be widely available at tourist information centres, hospitality and accommodation providers and other outlets across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. A digital version will also be available at: www.forestofbowland.com/discover-bowland-guide 
Both the guide and the companion Discover Bowland website are packed with information to help you make the most of your visit.

The Guide is free, but donations are welcome to Champion Bowland, the charity supporting sustainable tourism, environment and community projects across the protected area.

Hetty Byrne, the sustainable tourism officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said: “We hope the Discover Bowland guide and website will raise awareness of Bowland’s stunning natural beauty and the fantastic work of our partnership. Through the publication we aim to inspire visitors to connect with nature, extend their stay, reduce car use and support local businesses."

Farming & Forestry First Aid Course

27th January 2025

First Aid Poster image

Funded places made possible through our Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

Thursday 13th February

10am - 2pm (lunch provided)

Wood End Farm, Dunsop Bridge

BB7 3BE

The Forest of Bowland Farmers Group are part funding* 10 places for a 3-hour practical Farming & Forestry First Aid Course.

This short course, which is valid for 3 years, is designed to complement a First Aid at Work course - giving additional training to meet farmer and forester needs, and more importantly, to equip a student to save a life until professional help arrives.

Read more about the course here: Farming & Forestry First Aid Course

*A small financial contribution will be required

Limited spaces available, to be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

First Aid Poster image

Please contact laura.simpson2@lancashire.gov.uk to register your interest.

First aid training course

Outdoors opens up for trainees – marking National Apprenticeship Week

22nd January 2025

Two trainees are now forging careers based in the outdoors, as part of a scheme to promote nature, wellbeing and Outdoor Learning.

Theonitsa-and-Abbie

Connecting People and Nature (CPAN) is a three-year project based in Lancashire, and launched in 2023. It is being delivered jointly by education charity The Ernest Cook Trust with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

The first trainee, Abbie Hampshire, spent a year on the project employed by The Ernest Cook Trust, and was so successful she has now gone on to a new role with Forest of Bowland National Landscape, as Community Engagement Officer for CPAN.

Her successor, Theonitsa Kindyni, is now working with the Trust on the CPAN project, and is already making great new connections and taking advantage of a wealth of training opportunities.

As the UK marks National Apprenticeship Week (February 10-16), the Connecting People and Nature partners are celebrating the success in helping Abbie and Theonitsa in their chosen careers.

Vicki McDermott, The Ernest Cook Trust’s Head of Learning, Operations and Partnerships (Cumbria & Lancashire), said: “It’s great to see Abbie’s career progression, through the trajectory of connecting people with nature. Her training, alongside the experience of working with the team, has enabled her to step into her new role, which is a great success. This in turn has opened up an opportunity for Theonitsa to join.”

Theo-at-Low-Beckside-Farm

Theonitsa’s role includes working with schools, helping to train teachers in how they can take their curriculum outside, and working with communities to arrange sessions around the needs of the people of the group, to get them outside.

She said: “I feel this role is very interactive, with lots of opportunities for me to explore different paths, and many people for me to talk to or shadow. I would really encourage people to go into an apprenticeship, especially those who want to explore an area they are passionate about but need some scaffolding to gain experience and deeper understanding of the options available to them.”

Abbie, who became a Forest School leader during her apprenticeship, said the traineeship had given her an opportunity to follow a passion for nature and explore a new career path.

“I feel very lucky that I was able to be part of a traineeship that allowed me to explore myself and learn new skills to further my career and development.”

Abbie and Theonitsa are just two in a long line of trainees and apprentices supported by The Ernest Cook Trust, which offers practical pathways into careers based in the outdoors and in Outdoor Learning.

For more information about Connecting People and Nature project, visit https://www.forestofbowland.com/connecting-people-nature.

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