News articles

Thanks to two great groups of volunteers, Downham and the Crook o' Lune now have 150m of newly laid hedge between them.

Managing hedges is vital to keep them in tip top condition, so that they can thrive for years to come. Hedge laying is part of the cycle that ensures hedges continue to provide stock proof boundaries, food for wildlife, shelter and habitat – to name just a few of their roles!

Big thanks to the 20 volunteers who took part, and thanks also to our trainers – Dave, Andy, Joe and David  – for sharing literally decades of experience.

Why not take a look at our slide show with highlights from the two sessions here.

To find out more about our Traditional Boundaries training, email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk

New name and brand underpin ambitious targets for nature

Today, [Wednesday 22 November] all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming National Landscapes, including the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.

This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.

National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new brand underscores their commitment to redoubling their efforts and engaging with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets for nature in the sector and continue to work to meet them.

By 2030, National Landscapes aim that, within their boundaries: at least 200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas (Sites of Special Scientific Interest or SSSIs), which equates to 1 ¼  times the size of London, will be in favourable condition; 100,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of SSSIs will be created or restored, which is roughly nine times the size of Manchester; and 36,000 hectares of woodland, which is a little smaller than the Isle of Wight, will have been planted or allowed to regenerate. National Landscapes Partnerships will also focus on habitat restoration to ensure the protection of some of our most endangered species and increase their work to help more people to enjoy time spent in beautiful places.

Elliott Lorimer, Partnership Manager for Forest of Bowland National Landscape says:

“Our new 'Forest of Bowland National Landscape' name feels like a real step-change in terms of both the profile and the ambition for the designation and Partnership as a whole.  For too long, the AONB designation and the Partnerships working in these areas have not always received the national recognition that they deserve.  This renaming not only sets this record straight, but also presents an opportunity for National Landscapes to set out how we can go further and faster in addressing the great challenges of our time – climate change, the loss of nature and supporting equity of access for all people to these special places."

“For decades, AONB teams have convened powerful partnerships which have placed them at the forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but since their initial designation, our country has changed immensely, as have the needs and pressures on the environment and communities. However, we have great ambition as well as the commitment and readiness to care for and protect these important places, whilst also extending a welcome to more people. Our ambitious aims build on AONB teams’ long track record of successful delivery for nature and people and we are confident that we will achieve them. National Landscapes are the landscape designation for the 21 Century and beyond.”

“For decades the AONBs have helped protect the beauty of our finest landscapes. Today though we need so much more from these wonderful places, helping us adapt to climate change, catching carbon, restoring depleted wildlife and encouraging more people outside, at the same time as producing food, sustaining local communities and enhancing historic environments.

“Modern challenges require new approaches and today marks the beginning of a new phase for our National Landscapes, as they strengthen their existing partnerships, and forge new ones that will secure in perpetuity the huge range of benefits that come from these special places. Big change has taken place during the past 75 years and bigger changes still can be expected during the decades ahead. Uniting the National Landscapes in this way is very welcome and spells immense opportunity and great hope for the future.”

To keep up to date with all the latest news from the Forest of Bowland National Landscape follow us on our socials:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/forestofbowlandnl/ 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/forestofbowlandnl/

Twitter: twitter.com/forestofbowland

Gisburn Forest in the Forest of Bowland hosted a gathering of All-Terrain Wheelchair (ATW) manufacturers and organisations on 11th October to promote inclusive access to the countryside.

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape has a number of hub locations across the region where all-terrain wheelchairs are available to hire and can be used along designated trails, including a Tramper All Terrain Wheelchair, which is available to hire from the café at Gisburn Forest.

A new generation of ATWs is redefining the performance boundaries of traditional wheelchairs and opening up more opportunities for adventure for wheelchair users with a range of mobility impairments.

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team is partnering with Access the Dales to explore making the inaccessible accessible and to break down the barriers that prevent people living with disabilities enjoying the great outdoors, either independently or with their friends and family.

Debbie North, founder of Access the Dales said: “We use different wheelchairs in different locations for people with differing needs and it’s wonderful to see such a diverse range of mobility solutions gathered here for people to try out.

“It’s about getting as many people outdoors as possible and events like this provide a wonderful opportunity for people with differing needs to find a vehicle that will meet their specific needs whatever the terrain they want to tackle.”

“By making All-Terrain Wheelchairs readily available to hire or borrow, these venues are making opening up a whole world of new opportunities for visitors with restricted mobility to explore the tracks and trails, woodland and farmland of beautiful outdoor spaces like the Forest of Bowland.”

Sarah Dornan, countryside access officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape said: “We’ve been working to improve access to the countryside for people with mobility impairments for around 20 years and events like the ATW demo day demonstrate the expanding range of mobility solutions for different types of terrain and mobility needs.

“It’s no longer a case of ‘one size fits all’ and events like this allow members of the public and access officers to find out more about the options available and find a mobility solution that fits their individual needs and the terrain they want to explore.”

For further information visit: www.forestofbowland.com/access-all

Notes to Editors

• ATW manufacturers and suppliers attending the event included: Tramper, Paratreker, Experience Community, Affordable Mobility, Mountain Trike, TGA and TerrainHopper.
• For more details, please email sarah.dornan@lancashire.gov.uk or Tel: 01200 448000
• Image credits and press release by Mark Sutcliffe, Salar Media

This month sees the launch of a special photography competition to celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of the region's outstanding landscapes.

Designated as a National Landscape in 1964, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape celebrates 60 years next year, and National Landscape Partnership staff are encouraging residents and visitors to share their very own "diamond" memories in photo form.

Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer with the National Landscape said, "The Forest of Bowland is often called a hidden gem and we're sure that many precious memories of the area will have been captured on camera. We'd love people to help us celebrate this special milestone by sharing their 'magic moment' images of Bowland."

Hetty continued, "Images can feature landscapes, wildlife, heritage, people enjoying the National Landscape – whatever makes a particular moment sparkle for you. Autumn is a great time to get out with your camera, but if you don't get chance over the next few weeks, we're also happy to accept photographs taken previously."

A longlist of images will be included in a special anniversary exhibition, which will tour locations across Bowland during 2024, and a shortlist of 12 images will feature in print in the new, official Discover Bowland guide.

Local businesses have been generous in prize donations for the final six competition winners. These include

• 1st Prize: 2-night stay at Laythams Hayloft (low season) kindly donated by Laythams Holiday Lets Retreat
• 2nd Prize: 9 Course tasting menu in a 3 AA rosette restaurant for two people with a house bottle of wine kindly donated by The Traddock, Austwick
• 3rd Prize: £50 voucher kindly donated by the Parkers Arms, Newton in Bowland
• 4th Prize: A family day pass kindly donated by Bowland Wild Boar Park
• 5th Prize: A Bowland local produce hamper
• 6th Prize: A 'Thoughts from the Tree' t-shirt kindly donated by Bowland Fitness

Competition entries can be uploaded on the Forest of Bowland National Landscape website at: https://www.forestofbowland.com/diamonds-landscapes-photo-competition-2023  where participants will also find the Terms and Conditions.

Gisburn Forest  near Slaidburn will be the venue for an all-terrain wheelchair demonstration day on Wednesday 11th October, offering a great chance for people to try vehicles out for themselves.

There is such a variety of specialist all-terrain wheelchairs now available, which have been carefully designed to be able to travel over a wide range of different terrains. These terrains can include things like muddy woodland trails, gravel paths, wet grass, tree roots and uneven ground, hills and even mountains!

This is a free event where representatives from several all-terrain wheelchair providers - along with members of the National Landscape and Access the Dales team - will be on-hand to assist you in exploring the opportunities of these fantastic off-road wheelchairs – including Tramper, Paratreker and TerrainHopper.

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team have recently partnered with Access the Dales

We have a number of hub locations in the National Landscape where all-terrain wheelchairs are available to hire and can be used along designated trails, including a Tramper which is available to hire from the café at Gisburn Forest provided by Champion Bowland. Come along to this free demo day to find out more about these exciting opportunities.

The demo day will run between 10am and 3pm at the Forestry England site at Gisburn Forest Hub. There is a pay-and-display car park with disabled spaces, an accessible toilet and also a café on-site where you can purchase refreshments.

Please follow the link below to book your demo slot, which will give you an hour to explore the different vehicles, and an opportunity to speak directly with the manufacturers.  Please note that participants must be aged 14+ to use the vehicles and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Please follow this link to book: https://forms.office.com/e/8JVKyGyx6m.

For more details please email sarah.dornan@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 01200 448000.

We look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful surroundings at Gisburn Forest.

Popular ‘beating the bound’s perambulation to become an annual celebration of the outstanding landscape of the Forest of Bowland

An ancient tradition which was revived after an absence of more than 350 years will again take place in the Forest of Bowland this autumn.

Walkers will gather in Slaidburn on Sunday October 1st for a 10-mile hike exploring the scenic south-eastern boundary of the National Landscape in rural Lancashire.

The last historic Perambulation was undertaken by General George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle after he was awarded the lordship of Bowland for his role in restoring Charles II to the throne in 1660.

Three and a half centuries later, William, 16th Lord of Bowland, revived the tradition last autumn ­– although the 21st century version is largely symbolic, taking the form of a guided walk from Slaidburn with all proceeds donated to local charities.

Last year’s revival attracted a large group of walkers and William Bowland will again send the group off from the steps of Slaidburn Village Hall and welcome the party back at the end of their 10-mile perambulation.

This year’s event has kindly been sponsored by The Traddock – a boutique country house hotel nestled between the Forest of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales in the pretty village of Austwick. The Traddock is a popular destination for walkers wanting to explore walking routes in the Forest of Bowland and the Dales.

The Route

The Perambulation route explores the south-eastern boundaries of Bowland, beating the bounds first established under Henry V, Lord King of Bowland (1413-22):

“Then over Bradford and Grindleton moors, to the vaccary of Harrop, which bounds

on south-east side of Bolton-by-Bowland.”

Starting from the car park in Slaidburn, the route traverses the elevated pastures above the village, climbing gently to Harrop Fold, then more steeply through the woods and onto the summit of Bradford Fell.

Event Format

The walk will be led by local walking guide Mark Sutcliffe, supported by members of Bowland Mountain Rescue. Members of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, Champion Bowland and the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network will be among the participants.

The group will be limited to 50 people who will walk as one group around a circular route of approximately 10 miles. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis via the Bowland-based ticketing platform Skiddle,

Parking will be at Slaidburn Pay & Display car park with the group assembling in front of the village hall. The walk will last approximately five hours, with walkers expected to return to Slaidburn between 3pm and 4pm. Tea, sandwiches and cakes (for a small fee) will be served in the village hall from 3pm for walkers, friends and family.

Charities

Places on the walk are free, but participants will be asked to make a voluntary donation, with proceeds being split between Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team and Champion Bowland, which awards small grants to help fund community schemes in the Forest of Bowland.

Book tickets here:

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Blackburn/Slaidburn-Village-Car-Park/Beating-the-Bounds-of-Bowland---Guided-Walk/36532962/?hasNewTicketBox=1

TAKING BOWLAND BACK TO THE STONE AGE

Dr Rick Peterson will take Bowland back to the Stone Age with this year's 12th Lord of Bowland Lecture on the evening of Tuesday 3rd October 2023.

Since 2011, archaeologists from the University of Central Lancashire have been excavating around New Laund Hill at Whitewell in the heart of the Forest of Bowland.

With the final season of excavation completed in 2021, this work is starting to help us see how this landscape was used from the Late Mesolithic (around 7000 years ago) until the Middle Iron Age (around 2500 years ago). 

Dr Peterson said, "Over this time, we have discovered a previously unknown landscape of prehistoric occupation including Mesolithic campsites, Neolithic enclosures, Bronze Age burial and Iron Age settlements.

In this lecture we will look at evidence from the whole New Laund area and bring people up to date with the latest results from the excavations and the post excavation analysis."

Dr Peterson is Reader in Archaeology at the University of Central Lancashire. He teaches across a range of modules, with a focus on prehistory and archaeological fieldwork.

William, 16th Lord of Bowland, will introduce the evening, which aims to raise funds for two local charities: Slaidburn Archive, which works to record the history of the Hodder Valley; and Champion Bowland, which supports projects benefiting the environment, local communities and visitors to the Forest of Bowland. Both organisations rely heavily on grants and donations to continue their work.

Thanks to the generosity of Robert Parker, Bowbearer of the Forest of Bowland, the lecture will take place in the lovely surroundings of Browsholme Hall's Tithe Barn.

The annual lecture is booking quickly but remaining seats, or places on the reserve list, can be booked by emailing sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk, or by calling Sandra on 07973 923142.

Autumn is a fantastic time of year in the Forest of Bowland and this year's Festival Bowland events programme has a great opportunity for countryside lovers who relish getting outside, but who might have restricted mobility.

On Saturday 30th September the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be running a series of Tramper taster sessions along the recently opened Churn Clough Easy Access Trail in Sabden.

Trampers are specially designed, all-terrain, four-wheel drive electric buggies, which can be used on country tracks, mud and grass. Trampers can help people who have difficulty walking, or who may be less mobile, to experience the countryside alongside  friends and family on suitable routes.

Sessions are available at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm and will last around one and half hours. Although there are no toilets along the route, facilities are available in Sabden village.

Early booking is recommended as Tramper numbers are limited.

First time Tramper-users will be given a full induction before each guided session and we ask that a walking companion accompanies any visitors wishing to use a Tramper. (Additional family and friends are very welcome and any under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.)

The event is free but donations towards the upkeep of the Trampers are welcome on the day.

There is a minimum age for Tramper use. Please enquire on booking.

For more information, and to book a place, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone Sandra on 07973 923142.

(To find out more about the Tramper which is available to hire in Sabden, please see this link Sabden Tramper | Forest of Bowland National Landscape)

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape Partnership has won a prestigious Chamber Low Carbon Award for its ground-breaking Eco Escapes sustainable tourism initiative.

In the very first Lancashire Business Environment Awards ceremony at Crow Wood Hotel & Spa in Burnley, the Eco Escapes project won the Public Sector Award, recognizing its contribution to reducing carbon emissions from the county’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

Funded by Lancashire County Council’s Rural Recovery Fund, the Eco Escapes initiative encourages visitors to arrive by train and explore the area on foot, by bike or on e-bike. The campaign is also designed to promote ‘slow tourism’ ­– inspiring visitors to stay longer and support independent rural businesses.

It also asks people to support independent businesses by buying local produce and stay longer at their destinations.

The award judges said they were: “Highly impressed with the achievements of a small, highly motivated team that have achieved a bottom-up approach to growing the tourism sector.  

"This has entailed getting the business community involved via collaboration, not to just stamp tourism growth onto the area but to enable low impact and sustainable tourism."

Eco Escapes has four main objectives: all designed to reduce the carbon footprint of visitors travelling to and within each of the National Landscapes while enhancing the resilience of the rural economy.

• Travel light – leave the car at home and use public transport to visit
• Tread carefully – explore on foot, by bike, e-bike or mobility scooter
• Shop Local – support independent businesses by buying local produce
• Stay longer – explore more by extending your trip into a mini-break

At the heart of the initiative is a collection of bespoke Eco Escapes itineraries to help visitors make the most of their time in Lancashire’s rural landscapes. Each itinerary focuses on a different area or aspect of the Eco Escapes offer: from walking and cycling tours to railway walks and foodie tours.

Sustainable tourism businesses, hospitality and accommodation providers across the two National Landscapes have completed green tourism training and accreditation as part of the Eco Escapes initiative.

Local hospitality and accommodation providers and visitor attractions, as well as local government officers, also attended a Sustainable Tourism Symposium to share best practice and to learn more about sustainable and inclusive tourism in the Forest of Bowland. Hosted by Caz Graham of BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today programme, 85 attendees participated in the event.

Hetty Byrne, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape’s sustainable tourism officer said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled to receive recognition for the ground-breaking Eco Escapes initiative.

“Eco Escapes aims to protect and nurture our fragile environments while welcoming visitors who are happy to travel light, shop local and maybe linger a while longer in these outstandingly beautiful landscapes.”

“Slow and sustainable tourism is rapidly rising up the travel agenda and by encouraging both visitors and rural businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, we are helping future-proof Lancashire’s expanding rural tourism sector.”

Shaun Turner, Lancashire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change said:

“Few people outside the county realise Lancashire has some extraordinarily beautiful rural landscapes; these hidden gems are some of the county’s best-kept secrets.

“We backed the Eco Escapes project to help rural entrepreneurs reboot their businesses and build back more resilient rural enterprises.

“Supporting businesses in this way will not only encourage more spending in rural areas but will also help drive further investment in the rural economy going forward."

The principles of sustainable tourism have been at the heart of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape’s visitor economy for almost 20 years and the Eco Escapes initiative has been pivotal in consolidating this work to establish Lancashire’s outstanding natural landscapes as one of England’s foremost destinations for visitors in search of sustainable holidays in the great outdoors.

Photo: The Eco Escapes Team with their Chamber Low Carbon Award: (from left) Mark Sutcliffe, campaign consultant, Shaun Turner, Lancashire County Council, Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland National Landscape sustainable tourism officer, Karen Lawrenson, Senior Project Manager, Lancashire County Council.

The natural world offers a great source of inspiration so, whether you're looking to try something new, or already a seasoned creative, why not sign up for a relaxed, friendly workshop in Bowland this August?

CHILDREN'S WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP

Wednesday 9th August, 3.30-4.30pm

Scorton

Artist, Carla Gebhard, is offering watercolour workshops especially for children aged four to 10 years old. Based at lovely Wyresdale Park, Carla's session will focus on creativity and fun – great for accompanied children of all abilities. Places for the hour-long workshop are limited, so early booking is recommended.

For more information, or to book a place, please email hello@carlagebhard.com

HOOKING THE MEADOWS

Friday 11th August, 1-4pm

Grindleton

Experienced mixed media textile artist, Kit Wood, will be demonstrating the traditional technique of rug hooking. Kit is passionate about keeping crafts inclusive and using recycled and raw materials that would otherwise have been disposed of.  A great chance to take away your very own miniature "proddy" rug filled with flowers, bees, or whatever takes your imagination!

Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, or to book a place, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 07973 923142.

SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY IN NATURE

Tuesday 15th August, 9.30am-12.30pm

£10 per person

Bowland is a photographer's paradise, with something new round every corner. If you'd like to capture some of the beauty of this wonderful area on your smartphone, but don't quite know where to start, why not join this this half day workshop where local photographer, Mark Sutcliffe, will be offering lots of hints & tips on getting the best shots in the landscape?

Under 18s need to be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, or to book a place, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 07973 923142.

HAY TIME PRINTMAKING

Sunday 20th August, 2-5pm

Wigglesworth

Let your creativity blossom on this hay time-themed workshop with print maker, Nita Burrows. Focusing on field patterns and field barns, and adding meadow flower colour and motifs, Nita will guide you through the magic of the printmaking process. Enjoy an afternoon discovering intaglio printmaking and drypoint etching, with a mix of other process to add colour,  and go home with your very own interpretation of Bowland's hay time heritage.

Suitable for adults and accompanied children of 11 years old and over.

For more information, or to book a place, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 07973 923142.

For those looking for a little creative motivation ahead of the workshops, Maiden Bridge Arts Centre's Tateham Modern Art Exhibition will continue on Saturdays and Sundays until the 30th July. Located near Bentham, this free-entry exhibition involves 25 artists showing painting, sculpture, ceramics and textiles. Details are available from info@maidenbridge.co.uk