Are you a Farmer or Landowner around Quernmore, Ellel or Halton?
Thanks to a grant of almost £200,000 from National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative, the Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership is working with landowners and farmers to filter views of the high voltage electricity pylons along the north-western boundary of the AONB in the Halton, Quernmore and Ellel areas.
Projects include woodland planting and the creation and management of native hedgerows.
Tree and hedgerow planting in the right places can help to strengthen the connection between important ecological habitats, provide shelter for stock, benefit wildlife and improve biodiversity and water quality.
Forest of Bowland AONB Project Officer, Sandra Silk, said, "Woodland planting areas don't have to be large. In fact, we're looking for small-scale sites, such as field corners, cloughs and small copses, which will suit the landscape and existing field patterns. "
"We're also interested to hear from landowners or tenant farmers looking to plant new, native hedgerows, or bring existing hedge boundaries back into management."
The programme is being supported by UK conservation charity, the Woodland Trust, who are providing fully funded woodland saplings and plant protection. In addition, the Trust are offering "tree cages". These are small groups of four or five trees protected by timber fencing, which offer an effective way of incorporating field trees into the landscape.
As well as offering tree stock and protection, the funding can also support the cost of planting and stock proof fencing. Projects need to take place before the end of March 2024 and meet certain criteria.
A farmer in Ellel recently carried out woodland and hedge planting as part of the initiative and said, “The scheme has proved to be a great success for us. This is our second round of work and we are really happy with the entire process."
The area covered by the funding stretches from the outskirts of Halton, through Quernmore, to the area north of Ortner and Ellel Crag quarry.
Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Sandra by emailing sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or by calling her on 07973 923142.
The Forest of Bowland AONB Partnership and Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust are joining forces once again to offer a host of events designed to get people exploring and appreciating this rare and valuable habitat.
Co-ordinated by the Friends of Garstang Walking Festival with support from Wyre Council, the Garstang Walking Festival returns between the 5th and the 14th of the month. With over 40 walks, ranging from strenuous hikes to easy access routes and family activities, this annual event is a great way to explore Wyre and the western fringes of the Forest of Bowland.
For a spring challenge, keen hikers are invited to join Forest of Bowland Peatlands Officer, Dom Hartley, for a walk to the top of Pendle Hill on Thursday 25th May, when Dom will reveal the fascinating, but often unseen, world of peat restoration. From coir dams to cotton grass, participants will find out how work on this iconic local landmark is helping to slow the flow, restore habitats and store carbon. And as a reward for all that hard work, delicious Pendle Peat Pie – a hearty local dish - and a well-earned cuppa will be served in the village hall after the walk.
From coir dams to cotton grass, find out how work on the summit of this iconic hill is helping to slow the flow, restore habitats and store carbon.
Pendle Peat Pie is a delicious dish with a story to tell! Brought to life by artist, Kerry Morison, and independent chef, Andrew Dean, the layers of this vegan pie represent the different elements of peat restoration: dahl for the peat, chips for the coir logs holding the peat in place, and spinach for the vegetation growing on the peat surface. The ingredients are also a reflection of East Lancashire's cultural diversity.
We want everyone to enjoy the beautiful countryside at this time of year with new spring life emerging, and as Bowland is a sheep farming area, there is a strong chance you will encounter some sheep or new lambs while out walking locally with your dog.
Also keep a close eye out for our feathered friends - Bowland is an important breeding area for ground nesting birds such as lapwing, curlew, oyster catcher and redshank. The breeding season, between 1st March and 31st July is a particularly vulnerable time for ground nesting birds. Disturbed birds may be prevented from settling, or if already nesting they will fly away from their nests, neglecting their eggs or chicks. So it's just as important to follow the same dog walking advice as above and keep your dogs on a lead.
Rural businesses are encouraging visitors to explore Forest of Bowland AONB all year round with the launch of the 2023 Discover Bowland guide
The 116-page Discover guide also includes features about the fantastic work of the AONB Partnership including habitat restoration work for peatlands and hay meadows as well a series of short break itineraries and useful information on accommodation, hospitality and events.
