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Lapwing © David Patrick

10 years of BeeWalks highlight importance of wildflower meadows

2nd September 2024

Bee Walk Volunteer(News release written by Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust)

Early analysis of data from ten years of BeeWalk surveys in the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland points to wildflower-rich hay meadows as one of the best food sources for bumblebees.

This year marks ten years of BeeWalks, carried out by dedicated volunteers as part of a joint project by charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to restore wildflower habitats for bumblebees and other pollinators.

An animated film will be released this week celebrating the 10-year milestone and highlighting the importance of hay meadows as a vital food source for bumblebees https://youtu.be/_QbN9-s8krw?si=mAQef8C5YrymXrRm

BeeWalk is a national citizen science scheme established by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Data collected is both a source of information for understanding how Britain’s bumblebees are doing, and critical for taking decisions on how we can best help bumblebees to survive and thrive.

For the last decade, volunteers have walked 485 kilometers across 24 different sites in the Dales and Forest of Bowland to collect bumblebee data. Early analysis shows how beneficial wildflower hay meadows can be for bumblebees and other insects both in terms of the sheer number of bumblebees recorded and the diversity of species.

The full report, to be published later this year, will provide crucial insights into the needs of pollinators in the local area, together with detailed information about the wildflower species and habitats they depend upon to thrive.

Project officer Carol Edmondson

Project Officer Carol Edmondson said: “To help stem bumblebee declines, restoring habitats is crucial.

“Data from our research points to wildflower-rich hay meadows as one of the best food sources for bumblebees and highlights the importance of our work to restore and expand these species-rich habitats.”

Other highlights from initial analysis of the BeeWalk data shows:

  • A total of 21,663 bumblebees of 12 different species recorded.
  • The white and buff tailed bumblebees were the most commonly recorded, making up over 70% of records some years.
  • All other species’ numbers have fluctuated over the years, but white and buff tailed bumblebees are on a definite upward trend.
  • The top four flowers visited were red and white clover, yellow rattle and common knapweed.

Maurice White, a BeeWalk volunteer for almost a decade, said:

“I’ve learned a great deal about the range of bumblebee species we see in the Dales. They’re an indicator of the health of the environment. Where I do my counting is a really beautiful place and it’s a delight and a privilege to be even a tiny part of supporting and encouraging that.”

Thanks to funding from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA), which has enabled two years’ worth of YDMT’s BeeWalks, YDMT has been able to reach ten years of the project and collect invaluable data.


BOWLAND LECTURE WILL OFFER A CLOSER LOOK AT REGION'S CELTIC PAST

27th August 2024

Browsholme Hall's Tithe Barn will be the setting for an early autumn lecture delivered by Neil Whalley on the evening of Tuesday 1st October.

Tithe Barn at Browsholme HallIn his talk, The Celtic history of the North West, Neil will trace the history of the ‘Celts’ in the North West, from their European origins to their eventual disappearance, exploring their language, religion, literature and legends, and looking at what they left behind.  

The Celtic past in North West England is fascinating but, according to Neil, often overlooked. Fragments of evidence from history, archaeology and literature help us piece together a world of ancient gods and tribal territories, and a medieval warrior society inhabited by semi-legendary kings, bards and saints. Meanwhile, place names offer a glimpse at the lost Celtic language of Cumbric, once spoken in the region. 

Mike Pugh, Chair of Champion Bowland, will introduce the lecture, which aims to raise funds for both Champion Bowland and another local charity, Slaidburn Archive. The evening will take place in the atmospheric surroundings of the Tithe Barn at Browsholme hall, thanks to the generosity of the Parker family.

Mike Pugh said, "We are all looking forward to the first Tuesday in October for the Bowland Lecture at Browsholme Hall. This year offers a new perspective on the peoples of Bowland with Neil Whalley recounting our Celtic past."

The lecture will begin at 7.30pm, with a pay bar available from 7pm.  Admission is £5 and places need to be booked in advance by emailing sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk, or by telephoning 07973 923142.


Feast Bowland 2024

8th August 2024

A Celebration of Culinary Heritage and Local Produce with a week of Feast Bowland Events

Bowland and Bay Food TourThe annual Feast Bowland week returns from the 21st to the 27th of September, offering a week-long celebration of the rich culinary heritage and local produce found across the Forest of Bowland. This year’s events promise a variety of activities, including guided walks, foraging, picnics, dark sky explorations and food tours, providing participants with a unique opportunity to engage with Bowland's outstanding food culture.

Event Highlights:

Picnic & Play in the Park: Kick off the festivities on 21st September with a family-friendly picnic and outdoor games at Dunsop Bridge.

Picnic & Games in the Park

Foraging and Wellbeing Wander: Join us 23rd September for a foraging wander in Barley, exploring the benefits and uses of local plants, trees, and mushrooms.

Herbal Medicine Walk: On 24th September, learn about herbalism and wild foods during a guided walk and workshop at Barrowford Heritage Centre.

Bowland and Bay Food Tours: Experience the best of Bowland produce with artisan food tours on 25th September, featuring cheese tasting, craft gin, and more starting in Clitheroe.

Elderberry Jam Making: Join the Lovely Cow Shed on Jeffrey Hill for an elderberry forage around the farm on 25th September,  followed by a jam-making session using your foraged goods.

Elderberry jam making - Lovely Cow Shed

Foraging for All in Gisburn Forest: On 26th discover the edible treasures of Gisburn Forest and reconnect with nature on our Foraging for All and wellbeing wander.

Pendle Skies and Peat Pie: An exciting evening of dark sky discovery on 26th with a talk by local astro-photographer, Lee Hunt.  He'll take us on a virtual journey through the night skies of Pendle, accompanied by the delectable Bowland Peat Pie!

Autumn Foraging at Middlewood: We wrap up the week on 27th and discover all there is on offer across organic meadows and temperate rainforest in the beautiful Roeburndale woodlands.   

Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Officer said: 'We're excited to be linking with some excellent providers once again to celebrate the wonderful local produce and wild foods found across Bowland.  We want to make our events accessible and inclusive to all, which is why some are free, or low-cost,  and, where possible, subsidised to make external events more affordable.  Hopefully, there will be something of interest for everyone'.

There are also some exciting fringe events taking place during the week, provided by local hospitality businesses, and all members of the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism network. The events are about discovering Bowland's bountiful, seasonal produce through experiences such as foraging and supper clubs.

For further information and booking details visit: www.forestofbowland.com/feast-bowland-2024


Bowland Life through a Lens

1st August 2024

This month sees the launch of a special photography competition to celebrate Bowland as a newly named National Landscape during our 60th anniversary year.

The Forest of Bowland photo competition – Life through a Lens - is a fantastic opportunity for photographers to showcase their skills in capturing the essence of this beautiful area.

Winning image from 2023 by Stephen Adair

With three categories to choose from - people, nature, and place - participants can highlight the distinct beauty of the Forest of Bowland. Whether it's the warmth of community life, intriguing wildlife, or the unique character of local landscapes and places, each category offers a chance to tell a different story through the lens.

Winners can expect exciting prizes and the honour of having their work featured in various publications and online platforms associated with the Forest of Bowland. 'Life through a Lens' is not just a competition but a celebration of the Forest of Bowland, its seasons, and its significance as a National Landscape.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or an enthusiastic beginner, it’s a chance to celebrate the stunning landscapes, wildlife, and activities in the area.

Tony Lund, Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership Manager said, "Our national name change in November 2023 highlighted that the Forest of Bowland is one part of a living patchwork of landscapes where outstanding beauty isn't only found in nature, but in our thriving local communities". 

The competition will run from 1st August to 30th September 2024, with shortlisted entrants and winners announced early October.

Tony continued, "This photo competition is an opportunity to celebrate rural life in all its different forms – whether that's the special character of a village, farming life, magnificent landscapes, wonderful wildlife or people enjoying the area – whatever sums up Bowland life for you!   The summer months are a great time to get out with your camera, but if you don't get a chance over the next few weeks, we're also happy to accept photographs taken in previous seasons."

Local businesses – all Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network members - have been generous in prize donations. These include Hayloft accommodation (with secret garden and hot tub) for one night at Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat; A night's stay for 2 people at Gibbon Bridge Hotel;  A night in a shepherd’s hut (2 people) from Bowland Escapes; A night's stay in glamping pods at Wenningdale Escapes; A meal for 2 at the Traddock, Austwick on the 10 course tasting menu and a bottle of wine; Lunch for 2 people at the Fleece Inn, Dolphinholme; A £50 voucher from Bee Creative Designs; A family day pass from the Bowland Wild Boar Park and a £30 voucher from The Cabin, Barley.

There will also be a People's Choice Award which the public can vote from the shortlist of photos across the categories.  The winner will receive a £200 James' Places gift voucher kindly donated by Ben Scott Contracting Ltd and the runner-up, a month's supply of fresh coffee donated by Godhead Coffee.

Feedback from this year's exhibition featuring the shortlisted entries from 2023 captured the imagination of the public with the following comments: 'Fantastic collection of mesmerising images. Bravo!' and 'Choosing a favourite was nearly impossible!

Competition entries can be uploaded on the Forest of Bowland National Landscape website at:

www.forestofbowland.com/bowland-life-through-lens

Photos must not be submitted to any other competitions or initiatives. Remember to check the specific competition details for submission deadlines and terms and conditions.

Happy snapping!  


Removing Barriers: Access for All

31st July 2024

Forest of Bowland National Landscape hosts a celebration of what’s possible

All-terrain wheelchair walk - image by Mark Sutcliffe

A free accessibility event held in Gisburn Forest proved to be a resounding success, with every spot on the two-day symposium quickly reserved.

Hosted by The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team and Access the Dales, the event was described as an ‘exciting celebration of what’s possible’, and was designed to help organisations, businesses and individuals learn more about accessibility, share examples of best practice and engage in inclusive activities in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Activities included bushcraft skills, foraging, forest bathing, charcoal sketching and more, with workshop discussions focused on autism, dementia, mental health, inclusivity in the outdoors and tourism.

A variety of all-terrain wheelchairs were also available for the duration of the event for delegates to try out for themselves.

All-terrain wheelchair walk - image by Mark Sutcliffe

Organisers were delighted to welcome staff from Paralympics GB who were filming for their Everybody Moves programme during the event.

Sustainable Tourism Officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Hetty Byrne explains: ‘Feedback from the event has been incredible and very humbling. We were joined not only by visitors from the local area, but also from Kent, the Wye Valley, the Lake District, Northumberland, and even Fife and London.

‘We were thrilled that the event was so well received and opened up some really important conversations around accessibility and inclusivity.

‘Delegates were keen to take part in a host of outdoor workshops while sharing ideas with each other and learning from our session leaders.

Workshop - The Market Place and I - image by Mark Sutcliffe

‘We know we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible, and we hope that attendees will take lots of ideas away and be inspired to create their own events or implement what they’ve learned on a day-to-day basis.’

Sarah Dornan, Countryside Access Officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape said: ‘Events like this provide a wonderful opportunity to come together and share experiences and best practice. We are proud to showcase what’s on offer in Bowland and delighted that we could offer this event to people for free, which was made possible via DEFRA Accessibility Funding'.

For details of Access for All opportunities in the Forest of Bowland visit: www.forestofbowland.com/access-all-guide


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