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A brand-new way to explore the Forest of Bowland National Landscape has arrived with the launch of the Discover Bowland app - your easy-to-use digital guide to this beautiful and unspoilt corner of Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

Now available to download for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, the app is designed to help visitors and local communities alike, make the most of their time in the area;  Whether you’re planning a day trip, a walking or cycling adventure, or a relaxing countryside escape.

Packed with offline maps (including detailed Ordnance Survey mapping), over 100 hand-picked routes for walking, cycling and access for all, local information, and insider tips, Discover Bowland brings everything you need together in one place - even when you’re out in more remote areas with limited signal.

Tony Lund, Partnership Manager for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said:
“We want the Forest of Bowland to be a welcoming place for everyone, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here all your life. The Discover Bowland app helps people get out and explore with confidence, and it works alongside the practical work we do to look after and improve our public rights of way. It also highlights our ‘access for all’ projects, helping more people enjoy the health, wellbeing and sense of connection this amazing landscape offers."

Craig Wareham, Global Director B2C & UK CEO at Outdooractive, said:

“We are delighted to partner with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape on the launch of their Discover Bowland app. 

The Outdooractive app technology platform makes it easier for destinations of all kinds to deliver high-quality digital experiences for both visitors and residents. By bringing trusted local content, mapping, route guidance and recommendations into one branded app, Discover Bowland will help people explore with confidence while supporting the Forest of Bowland’s wider goals around sustainability, visitor engagement and responsible destination management.”

Download the app today and start planning your next Bowland adventure:

• Apple App Store:  https://apps.apple.com/ee/app/discover-bowland/id6760457706

• Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.outdooractive.bowland&hl=en_GB

Community Rail Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape are pleased to announce that they have been successful in obtaining a grant form the Community Rail Development Fund for a new project.

Working in partnership with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, local bus operators and the established Eco Escapes initiative, Community Rail Lancashire aims to promote low-carbon travel options and immersive, place-based visitor experiences.

The focus is on strengthening connections between rail gateways, bus routes and active travel networks into Bowland, enabling visitors to explore the area without reliance on private cars. The project will develop two new curated Eco Escapes itineraries, providing practical visitor journey ideas linked to rail, bus, walking and cycling routes, alongside a mapped Local Produce, Arts and Crafts Trail.

Local food producers, farmers, artists, craftspeople and other businesses will benefit from increased visibility through the Local Produce, Arts and Crafts Trail, the new Eco Escapes itineraries and associated communications. Sustainable Tourism Network businesses will also be promoted through the Discover Bowland App. The project will encourage visitor spend within local supply chains and showcase Bowland’s local produce, arts, crafts, traditions and heritage.

The project will support a regenerative tourism model that delivers environmental, social and economic benefits to local communities. It will improve accessibility and inclusivity, develop authentic visitor experiences rooted in Bowland’s unique sense of place, and strengthen local pride, cultural heritage and distinctiveness.

Nature is in crisis across the UK. The numbers of breeding birds, pollinators, and species in general have fallen rapidly in the last 50 years, and wildlife rich habitats are getting smaller, more disconnected and constantly under threat from human activity and climate breakdown. Although the Forest of Bowland is a protected landscape biodiversity is in decline here too. 

As part of its action to support nature, designed as part of the new Forest of Bowland management plan, the Forest of Bowland is launching a new Community Nature Fund. You can find out more details and how to apply at https://www.forestofbowland.com/community-nature-fund 

This fund will offer grants to local community groups who have plans to save and restore nature in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape area, and also those who want to provide opportunities for people to engage with and connect with nature in Bowland.  

The National Landscape team for Bowland have been inspired to open this fund by people in the area who are already taking action for nature, like the Waddington Swift group and Community Pollinator Patches. They are also looking to fund projects such as Connecting People and Nature the health and wellbeing work of Burnley Football in the Community, Access the Dales and many others on the fringes of the National Landscape who organise activity for people who get so much out of nature-based day trips to Bowland. 

We now have a small team building our own boxes and assembling the boxes kindly donated by Forest of Bowland. Our installation team has installed over 40 swift boxes on homes in Sawley, Grindleton and West Bradford. Most of the boxes have been installed with callers that play the sound of swift calls. Swift callers have been shown to significantly increase the probability of swifts finding the boxes. We are also planning to start monitoring existing swift number and nest locations. Hopefully we can then see increases in the future. 

We are the only swift group in the Forest of Bowland and going forwards we would like support other communities to maintain and hopefully increase swift numbers across the region." 

 verges and village open spaces in the lower Lune valley for several years, and in 2021 embarked on an ambitious project to improve Hermitage Field at the Crook o'Lune in Caton. Starting off with an area of rank grassland the site has been tended by volunteers growing wildflowers from seed and adding plug plants of many varieties until, as the photos show, it has become a community meadow full of colour and wildlife! With great support from the Public Realm team at Lancaster City Council and the Bowland Haytime project they have transformed this and many other sites for the benefit of nature and people. 

Forest of Bowland Partnership Manager, Tony Lund said "We are very excited about this new fund and the opportunities it offers to supporting nature and communities in the Forest of Bowland. We hope to see many more fabulous ideas for projects come about as a result of this funding. The team are looking forward to seeing applications come in during July and are happy to offer advice and support if required: please get in touch with us!" 

Media Contact: 

For further information about the Fund please email cathy.hopley@lancashire.gov.uk or Daniel.holden@lancashire.gov.uk  

Festival Bowland is packed with events during the summer months. We’ve picked out a few highlights below, but there are plenty more in the full listings at www.forestofbowland.com/festival-bowland

National Meadows Day

Saturday 4th July, 2pm – 4pm

Crook o' Lune Picnic Site, Low Road, Halton, Lancaster, LA2 6PD

Celebrate National Meadows Day with an afternoon in the beautiful Forest of Bowland National Landscape! The meadows at the Crook o' Lune near Lancaster are at their best in July and August, so what better time to immerse yourself in this very special habitat?

Enjoy a guided meadow walk; learn how to use iNaturalist to record plants and wildlife; get help with invertebrate ID and find out all you need to know about meadow creation and growing plug plants.

Explore the meadows on a self-guided walk or join a guided walk from 3pm. Plus, children's activities for younger visitors.

Free and no need to book ahead. (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

Pay and display car park with disabled access toilets. Wheelchair access from car park onto the meadow footpath.

Bus routes 81 and 82 (Lancaster-Kirkby Lonsdale) serve Caton.

For more information, please email carol.edmondson@lancashire.gov.uk

Bowland Champion Species Party

Friday 7th August, 1pm – 2.30pm or 2.30pm – 4pm

Gisburn Forest

Join us for wild moves, mystical music and magical masks at Bowland's family-friendly Champion Species party in Gisburn Forest!

Free but booking is essential. (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

Please book via this link: LCC Events

Pay on exit car park with disabled access toilet.

For further information, please email hetty.byrne@lancashire.gov.uk

Brock Valley Bat Walk

Thursday 13th August, 8pm – 9.30pm

Claughton on Brock, nr Garstang

Join the Wyre Rivers Trust on their venture into the world of bats! Listen to the clicks, slaps and pops of the bats' echolocation calls as you explore the Brock Valley.

Free but booking is needed. (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

For more information, and to book, please see the listings at Events | Wyre Rivers Trust

As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to plan a local adventure. The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team, in partnership with Community Rail Lancashire, recently launched two Eco Escapes itineraries — thoughtfully curated to showcase Bowland’s spectacular landscapes, rich heritage and welcoming hospitality, while championing low‑impact travel.

With downloadable guides, transport information, and recommendations for places to stay and eat, Eco Escapes makes it easy to enjoy Bowland at your own pace — and sustainably.

Itinerary highlights include:

• Chipping Circular Walk – Discover the historic mill village and its beautiful surrounding countryside.
• Little Bowland Linear Walk – A 4‑mile walk from Chipping to Whitewell, featuring limestone outcrops, ancient woodland and river crossings.
• Spring Wood Walk – A gentle woodland stroll near Whalley.
• Pendle Hill Summit Routes – Challenging hikes from Whalley or Clitheroe, rewarded with breathtaking views.
• Accessible Trail – A Tramper – all terrain wheelchair - is available in Sabden, offering access to Churn Clough Reservoir.
• Ribble Valley Jubilee Trail – A three‑day walking adventure through picturesque countryside.

Richard Watts, Chair of Community Rail Lancashire, said:

Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, added:

“Eco Escapes is all about making it easier for people to get out and enjoy Bowland in a way that’s both rewarding and kind to the environment. Whether you’re hopping on a bus, catching a train, or setting off on foot or by bike, it’s a fantastic way to explore without the car and to connect more deeply with the landscape, wildlife and local businesses.”

New and improved bus connections — including Route 11 — make exploring the Hodder Valley easier than ever, linking circular and linear walks through places such as Slaidburn, Dunsop Bridge, Whitewell, Wigglesworth, Hurst Green and Chipping.

Funded by the Community Rail Network and the DfT Community Rail Development Fund, the itineraries feature fully mapped walking and cycling routes, accessible by public transport. They are available to download as PDFs or to follow via GPS apps on your smartphone.

Explore these itineraries — plus 12 more — and download your routes at:

www.ecoescapes.org.uk or pick up a copy of the new Ramble & Ride in Bowland leaflet from Visitor Information Centres across the area.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on two of Bowland's Champion Species  - the Green Hairstreak butterfly and the brown trout.

(And be in with the chance of taking home a special Champion Species goodie bag!)

Bowland Champion Species: Spring Butterfly Walk

Wednesday 6th May, 11.30am – 2pm, Trough of Bowland

Seek out the beautiful Green Hairstreak butterfly and amazing, day-flying Emperor moth along an iconic Bowland valley, on one of our special Bowland Champion Species events.

The emerald colouring of this tiny butterfly makes the Green Hairstreak an absolute jewel. By comparison, it's dwarfed in size by the Emperor moth (with its striking "eyespots"), which is one of the UK's largest insects. Sharpness of eye, the cunning deployment of a pheromone lure and expert guidance from Butterfly Conservation will all play their part in helping us search for, and learn about, these classic moorland species.

(The Green Hairstreak butterfly is also one of six target species in Butterfly Conservation's Making Peatlands Work for Lepidoptera programme, which spans the north of England. More information is available on their website here.

£5 per person. Booking essential. Please book via this link: LCC Events

Bowland Champion Species: The Secret World of Rivers

Underneath the surface of the water is a secret world of wildlife waiting for you to explore.

Join Wyre Rivers Trust staff as they lead us on an adventure of discovery. Perfect for families and suitable for ages 5+. (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

Free, but booking is essential.

For more information, and to book your place, please email events@wyreriverstrust.org

Green Hairstreak butterfly and brown trout are two of the Champion Species at the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape's Nature Recovery Plan.  To find out more, visit Champion Species Badges | Forest of Bowland National Landscape

For the full Festival Bowland programme, including more, great Bowland Champion Species events, visit Festival Bowland Events | Forest of Bowland National Landscape

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team is delighted to announce the launch of the Discover Bowland 2026 guide. 

Whether you’re a local uncovering new paths or a visitor experiencing Bowland’s magic for the first time, the guide is packed with ideas to help you make the most of your time here.

The guide was officially unveiled on 26 February at Holden Clough Nurseries, where forty members of the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Business Network gathered to celebrate. Many of these partners support the guide through advertising, helping to fund its production and ensuring it remains free to the public.

Hetty Byrne, 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 this publication, we aim to inspire visitors to connect with nature, linger longer, travel more sustainably and support local businesses.”

“It’s been a busy and inspiring year for the team, with a host of exciting projects delivered across the area. From peatland restoration and inclusive access improvements to nature connection activities and support for farmers and landowners through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, 2025 has offered plenty to celebrate.”

This year’s guide features brand‑new Eco Escapes itineraries, encouraging people to explore the area slowly and sustainably. Linked to the Clitheroe train line, these routes promote car‑free travel and invite readers to discover Bowland’s hidden corners, seasonal beauty, delicious local food and outstanding places to stay.

The ‘At a Glance’ Festival Bowland listings are featured once again, and this year’s programme puts 14 amazing Champion Species centre stage as well as offering a year‑round programme of events celebrating nature, heritage and culture. From star‑filled skies to vibrant spring wildlife and hands‑on activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The Discover Bowland guide is available from Visitor Information Centres and will soon be stocked by hospitality businesses across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. A digital edition is also available.

Both the free printed guide and the companion Discover Bowland website are packed with practical information, local stories and inspiration to help you explore and enjoy this beautiful area.

The guide is free, but donations to Champion Bowland—the charity supporting sustainable tourism, environmental projects and community initiatives across the area—are warmly welcomed.

Festival Bowland celebrates the nature, landscape, culture and heritage of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and this year's programme is full of fantastic opportunities to get involved.

The 2026 calendar offers the chance to discover some truly "champion" species, enjoy night sky wonders and make the most of Bowland's more accessible walking routes, alongside regular favourites like Garstang Walking Festival and National Meadows Day.

Sandra Silk, Project Officer with the National Landscape Partnership, said, "We're very excited to shine a spotlight on Bowland's Champion Species this year. These are the fourteen rare, inspirational or representative species at the heart of the Forest of Bowland's Nature Recovery Plan. Whether it's ballerina waxcap, hen harrier, globeflower or green hairstreak butterfly, we're hoping that this series of creative sessions, hands-on study days, family events, and more, will reveal the champions in all their glory."

The Festival programme also includes a series of brand new Welcoming Walks, exploring stile-free routes around the Forest of Bowland. Weekly walks in April, and again in July, will offer short, seasonal walks, with the chance to chat over a cuppa afterwards as an optional extra.

Sandra explained, "Booking ahead for events doesn't work for everyone, so we've taken inspiration from the weekly walks organised by Wyre Coast and Countryside Service and similar opportunities in Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, and made these new Welcoming Walks "just turn up". This means that people can see how they feel on the day. Each walk will last around an hour, with the emphasis on a friendly atmosphere and fresh air, rather than distance. We'll be starting at different locations each time, but all meeting points will have parking and toilet facilities and some will be accessible by public transport."

Evening bat walks, botanical and bumblebee identification skills and river life explorations all add to the opportunities available to discover Bowland's wilder side. And, for anyone wanting to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in, regular tree planting sessions throughout March, November and December are a great way to make a difference to this very special place.

Full details of the 2026 Festival Bowland events programme are available on our website at Festival Bowland Events | Forest of Bowland National Landscape