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Lapwing © David Patrick

Environment Secretary Announces Extension of Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme

9th January 2026

At the Oxford Farming Conference on 8 January 2025, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP announced a series of measures to support farmers in England, focusing on clarity, partnership and growth. Among these was the extension of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

Infographic showing FiPL achievementsThe FiPL programme, which has been running in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape since July 2021, helps farmers and land managers deliver projects that:

  • Support nature recovery.
  • Mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  • Provide opportunities for people to enjoy and understand landscapes and cultural heritage.
  • Strengthen nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs - has confirmed that FiPL will be extended for a further three years, running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with £30 million in funding allocated for next year.

In her announcement, Emma Reynolds highlighted that partnership is at the heart of FiPL, bringing together farmers, protected landscape organisations and local communities to achieve change at a scale no single holding could deliver alone. This extension will enable more farmers to create meaningful benefits for nature, climate and communities across England’s National Parks and National Landscapes.

Since its launch, FiPL has supported over 11,000 farmers across 44 protected landscapes nationwide, funding more than 5,500 projects and helping to establish around 100 farm cluster groups. In the Forest of Bowland National Landscape alone, within the first four years, FiPL has supported over 163 projects—ranging from planting and restoring hedgerows, creating wildlife-rich habitats, and improving soil health to enhancing footpaths, providing accessible amenities and hosting educational farm visits—to name just a few.  It has also supported farmers in starting or progressing their transition to more regenerative farming practices.

Colin Price, Chair of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Local Assessment Panel, said:
"The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has had a significant impact in our area. It’s not just about funding projects—it’s about building relationships and creating a shared vision for sustainable farming and thriving landscapes. This extension gives us the opportunity to continue that momentum and deliver even greater benefits for farmers, nature and local communities."

FiPL forms part of the government’s wider commitment to improving the natural environment, alongside the revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) published on 1 December.

Details of the extended funding for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be announced soon. Current funding (ending March 2026) is fully allocated, but we encourage interested farmers and landowners to submit an expression of interest via: www.forestofbowland.com/farming-protected-landscapes

Connecting People and Nature provides community leaders training in Preston

6th November 2025

Community leaders, volunteers and professionals from a broad range of backgrounds have been given the chance to learn new skills over a 3-day course to help the groups they are involved with to enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors. The aim of the training was to help people develop the skills and confidence necessary to lead and engage people in their communities in connecting with nature.

Community leaders training

The 13 delegates - many of whom work directly in the community sector in Blackburn, Preston and Lancaster, including those focused on children and young people - represented various organisations committed to making a difference in their local area.

Hosted at The Hub on Grange Park, Ribbleton and Beacon Fell Country Park, the course was part of the three-year Connecting People and Nature project. This is being delivered by UK educational charity the Ernest Cook Trust and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

On day one of the course, participants took part in teambuilding activities and started to think about what it takes to incorporate the outdoors into their groups.

The second day expanded on this further, using different low-cost materials for nature-based activities that community leaders could replicate with their groups. They also had in-depth conversations about what it takes to be a leader in the outdoors, the barriers people face in accessing nature, and the benefits nature connection can bring.

On the final day, the community leaders deepened their understanding of how to lead outdoor based sessions, including meeting health and safety, organisational and administrative requirements. Towards the end of the day the group had time to exchange their own knowledge and skills in the community sector with other participants, which included the sharing of valuable resources and contacts.

Attendees on the course represented:

  • The Foxton Centre, Preston
  • Let's grow Preston
  • Deafway
  • B.L.O.O.M by SMA
  • Sanctuary Cookalongs
  • Adullam
  • Places for People
  • St Stephens Church
  • Their Stories
  • Fulwood Methodist Church
  • CancerHelp, Preston

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Take time to unwind in nature this month

8th October 2025

Forest Bathing WalkChoose from a relaxing stroll, a mindful forest meander, or a delightful rural exploration.

Wyre Coast & Countryside Service will be heading out from the picturesque village of Scorton for a circular walk on the afternoon of Friday 17th October. Around two miles long, this particular route has been graded "moderate".

A fortnight later, on Friday 24th, Wyre's volunteer leaders will be ready to lead you on a walk around the rural village of Catterall and the surrounding countryside. Graded "moderate" again, this walk is a little longer, at four to five miles.

Both of these walks are free and there's no need to book ahead but, if you'd like more information, you'll find contact details on Wyre Council's "Great Outdoors" website at this link Events – Wyre Council. (This is also where you can check whether there are any updates with arrangements.)  Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

On Saturday the 18th of October, why not enjoy a mindful morning walk through beautiful Beacon Fell, with Rewilding Outdoor Therapy?  Embrace the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. This event is suitable for participants of 18 years and over.

Forest Bathing Walk

The event costs £5 per person and places do need to be booked in advance. Full details, along with the booking link, are available here LCC Events. For further information, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 07973 923142.

And don't forget Wyre Council's regular Monday walks from Garstang! Further details available here Garstang short walk – Wyre Council

Rainbow fungi help to pinpoint Bowland's ancient grasslands

2nd October 2025

ABallerina Waxcap new project in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will see volunteers learning how to identify colourful waxcap fungi and the rare grassland habitats where they are found.

Waxcaps are an indicator of ancient, un-improved grassland and knowing where these and other grassland fungi are thriving, helps to pinpoint where these grasslands remain, so that they can be protected for the future.

These ancient grasslands are the last remnants of unspoilt habitats and home to rare plant and invertebrate species, as well as rare fungi. Because so many species-rich meadows and pastures have been lost over the years, it's now vital that remaining sites are located and recorded, enabling their continued appropriate management.

Hay Time Project Officer, Carol Edmondson, is organising the project and explained, "Waxcaps are amazing. They come in all sorts of shapes and colours, from the beautifully frilly ballerina waxcap, to the intriguingly named parrot waxcap. Along with other grassland fungi species like corals, pinkgills and earthtongues, they are a really good indicator of scarce, ancient grassland habitats."

Carol continued, "Working with Lancashire County Council's Biological Heritage Sites team and Aberystwyth University, one of our aims is to provide a toolkit for farmers and landowners; raising awareness and helping them to continue sympathetic management of this important habitat ."

The project is looking for volunteers to survey potential sites and collect soil samples this autumn for eDNA analysis. Training will be given and no previous experience is needed, but volunteers with fungi identification skills are also welcome to get involved.

Anyone wishing to find out more, or take part in the training, can email Carol on carol.edmondson@lancashire.gov.uk

Landmark Trees mark special anniversary for the Forest of Bowland

30th September 2025

Old Laund Booth Parish Council_Landmark TreeFive 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.

Higham with West Close Parish Council_Landmark Tree

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