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Consultation Opens on Draft 2026–2031 Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management Plan

In spring 2026, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will unveil its new five-year Management Plan—a bold and refreshed vision to protect, enhance and celebrate this extraordinary place for generations to come.

Formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Forest of Bowland now forms part of the National Landscapes family—a name that better reflects the significance of these protected landscapes.

The draft 2026–2031 Management Plan has been developed with input from a wide range of partners via workshops and meetings over the last six months. This plan sets out what makes the Forest of Bowland so special, the challenges it faces, and the actions needed to conserve, enhance and celebrate its components of natural beauty and special qualities.

The Management Plan aims to:

• Celebrate the unique character and special qualities of the Forest of Bowland.
• Present a shared vision for its future, shaped by those who live in, work in and care for the landscape.
• Set out clear outcomes and measures to guide decision-making and action.
• Reflect the aspirations of a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities, farmers and landowners to local authorities and conservation organisations.

Tony Lund, Partnership Manager for the Forest of Bowland, said:
“A management plan is vital for a National Landscape. It provides the statutory framework to define a shared vision, coordinate action with partners and set clear outcomes for conservation, climate resilience, community needs, health and wellbeing, and opportunities for people to explore and understand this special place. This plan is our primary strategy to protect and enhance the Forest of Bowland’s special qualities while tackling major challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change.”

John Ibison, Borough Councillor and Chair of the Joint Advisory Committee, added:
“The Forest of Bowland is a living, working landscape. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in its future to have their say. Your input will help shape a plan that reflects local aspirations and safeguards this special place for generations to come.”

Have Your Say

This is not the finalised plan, and we are now seeking views from people who live, work and visit the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. The public consultation period runs from 19 January to 2 March 2026.

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit:
www.forestofbowland.com/management-plan-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.

• 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

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.

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

Choose 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.

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

A 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

Five 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.

Join us for a fantastic chance to try out an all-terrain wheelchair on this autumn guided walk above the village of Sabden.

All-terrain wheelchairs are specially designed electric buggies, which can be used on country tracks, uneven ground, mud and grass.  They can help people who have difficulty walking, or who may be less mobile, to experience the countryside and to accompany friends and family in the great outdoors. 

At around 1 ½ miles long, our route will take us on a gradual climb from St. Nicholas' Church to the edge of Churn Clough Reservoir and back - with plenty of opportunity to take in the views around famous Pendle Hill and even, on a clear day, Darwen Tower away to the south-west. 

It's a great opportunity to try out an all-terrain wheelchair, get used to the controls and see what they can do. There are several guided session times to choose from (9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm) and first-time all-terrain wheelchair users will receive an induction before we set off.

Accompanying family and friends are very welcome too, of course!

The walk costs £5 per person and places can be booked by clicking on this link: LCC Events

Sabden is part of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape's all-terrain wheelchair hub network.  If you'd like to find out a little more about this particular route, do take a look at our short YouTube video here: Sabden ATW Hub film.

The finale of an exciting and ambitious new art project will take place in Gisburn Forest this month.

Are You Lost?, created by artist Rob St John and Kate O’Farrell, is part of a national initiative called Nature Calling, in partnership with the National Landscapes Association, and seeks to understand how communities connect with the natural world around them. It aims to open up conversations about access to wild spaces and celebrate our place and responsibility in these environments.

The project, which has been running for the last eleven months, is commissioned by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and produced by Lancaster Arts.

Are You Lost? will culminate in a weekend of cultural activity centred around a sound, film and textile art installation, created with the people who live in and around Bowland, exploring the voices, textures and sights of the landscape. It first opened to the public in Nelson in June as part of the Pendle Festival of Culture, before moving to Dunsop Bridge at the beginning of August. Alongside the installation, visitors have taken part in a range of activities including, foraging and sensory walks, singing,  screen printing and weaving workshops, and conversations on farming, environmental management with national landscapes and engagement, particularly with young people. Artist Rob St John recently appeared on BBC Countryfile alongside young people who have taken part in the project.

Are You Lost? is now set for its big finale in the heart of Gisburn Forest, managed by Forestry England, on 30-31 August.

The artwork combines archival footage from the historic floods of 1967 in Dunsop Valley with recent film portraying contributors’ personal memories and feelings about Bowland. The soundscape includes sounds gathered through workshops with young people in Nelson and Burnley, alongside songs, choral improvisations and field recordings of the landscape. The textile pieces are created by Lancashire textile artist Kate O’Farrell and draw upon the history of the area, from the cotton mills of east Lancashire, to the textile traditions of Gujarat, where many of the local communities have roots.

Speaking about the project, artist Rob St John said:

“It's been a real pleasure to see so many people come to the Are You Lost? installations in Nelson and Dunsop Bridge, and to explore the local landscapes in walks and workshops. The work is based on the voices and creativity of hundreds of people, both from the Forest of Bowland and from its fringes, who have shared their perspectives on how this landscape might flourish, both for people and nature.”

Lancaster Arts Director Jocelyn Cunningham said:

“Working with Rob and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape has been incredibly rewarding, not to mention lots of fun! To be able to produce art that has been created in collaboration with Bowland communities has been a joy and the reaction from those local to Bowland as well as visitors has been a real treat. We want to go out in style in Gisburn, the last opportunity to experience this installation in its natural habitat, so there will be tonnes of fascinating walks and workshops for everyone to get involved with and it’s all completely free. We hope to see you there!”

Alongside the installation, Are You Lost? features a range of artist workshops, conversations and guided walks, open to all, to create a mini festival atmosphere and will have something for people of all ages.

In addition, composer Julian Evans has been running a series of singing workshops and rehearsals throughout the summer to form a new choral group, The Stonechats. The group have been working on an original piece of music to be performed in Gisburn Forest on 31 August to bring Are You Lost? to a close.

To find out more about Are You Lost? visit lancasterarts.org, where you can also listen to the Are You Lost? Podcast series to better understand the project. The latest episode gives you the opportunity to listen to the sound piece from the installation in full. All the activities are free but booking is necessary for some activities. Find out more about Nature Calling and the other projects around the country that are taking part at naturecalling.org.uk

Those wanting to get involved in the project are encouraged to get in touch about volunteering opportunities by emailing volunteer@lancasterarts.org.

Nature Calling is a national programme of cultural activity with executive producers the National Landscapes Association and Activate Performing Arts, funded by Arts Council England and the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Are You Lost? Will be open to the public in Gisburn Forest from 11am to 4pm Saturday 30 August and 11am-8pm on Sunday 31 August.

Notes to editors:

Press Enquiries: Jack Bond 01524 521963 jack@lancasterarts.org

Local charity Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has extended its grant scheme to support the creation of new native broadleaf woodlands, hedgerow and landscape trees in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

Angela, who wanted to encourage biodiversity in the uplands and create variety in the landscape, said: ‘‘We have really enjoyed working with YDMT, its staff and volunteers. Only a few months later and we’re already seeing an improvement in biodiversity. We’re looking forward to seeing how it develops over the years and to continuing our collaboration with YDMT.’’

YDMT has now partnered with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to help more landowners create woodland and breathing spaces everyone can enjoy, through an innovative grant scheme.

A range of support is on offer, including advice on woodland planting, design and specification, identify funding opportunities and recommend contractors to carry out the work.

Tony Lund, Partnership Manager for Forest of Bowland National Landscape added: ‘’We are delighted to be working with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust on this project. Small woodlands and individual trees when planted in the right place are really valuable for nature. As well as new planting there is also scope to enhance some existing small woodlands. It’s a great opportunity to have a positive impact on the landscape and improve the habitat for wildlife within the Forest of Bowland.’’

Trees are important to provide shaded spaces and wildlife habitats, which also help to improve biodiversity and manage the risk of flooding and soil erosion. 

Working in partnership with local people and volunteers, YDMT has helped landowners plant more than 1.6million trees since 1997, and last winter a total of 10,659 trees were planted across 8.43 hectares. In addition, just over 4 km of new hedgerow was created involving the planting of 22,268 shrubs and 85 landscape trees were planted and protected.

Funding can be provided to cover the costs involved in establishing a new woodland, restoring hedgerow or planting and protecting individual trees. YDMT can also support landowners in developing a management plan for small woodlands and provide funding to help undertake management work.  

If you would like to do something amazing for the people, landscape and wildlife of the area, and have either existing woodland or space to plant some trees then please get in touch via the YDMT website – https://www.ydmt.org/what-we-do/grants/woodland-grants.

Applications need to be completed by 30 September 2025.

 

For further details contact woodlands@ydmt.org or call 015242 51002.

In this year's Bowland Lecture, "Are You Lost? The past, present and future of Bowland", Dr Rob St John examines the relationship between landscape memory and imagination in Bowland to ask: what does the future hold for this special place?

Rob's lecture explores a series of historical moments over the last 150 years to narrate a story of the invention of contemporary Bowland, including, significantly, the designation of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1964.

The annual lecture aims to raise funds for local charities, Slaidburn Archive and Champion Bowland and will be introduced by Chair of Champion Bowland, Mike Pugh.

Mike said, "These annual lectures have proved very popular and we're grateful to the Parker family for inviting us to hold this latest presentation at the Tithe Barn once again. Previous lecture subjects have included everything, from the area's geology and prehistory, to the history of the Lordship of Bowland – and even a specially commissioned piece of music. Rob's lecture will offer the chance to look at this very special place from a different angle and we look forward to welcoming people on the night."

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 through the online link in the listings on the Forest of Bowland National Landscape website at www.forestofbowland.com/festival-bowland. Further information is available by contacting Sandra Silk on sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or on 07973 923142.

Are You Lost? is part of a national arts programme called Nature Calling, with the Forest of Bowland being one of six creative hubs across England. During the project, Rob has drawn on his own Bowland roots and spent a year working with people across the landscape – farmers, urban children, estate workers, archaeologists, fell runners, historians, poets, environmentalists, policy makers and more.

Are You Lost? has been commissioned by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and is produced by Lancaster Arts. Executive producers are Activate Performing Arts and the National Landscapes Association and the programme is funded by Arts Council England and Defra.

The finale of the Are You Lost? arts project will take place in Gisburn Forest on the weekend of 30th and 31st August, with free activity for all ages. Further details are available at www.lancasterarts.org