Visiting the Forest of Bowland National Landscape

In his statement on the 5th April, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson confirmed that from Monday 12 April, England will move to step 2 of its roadmap.

The following are some of the COVID-19 restrictions that will be eased from 12 April:

(for full details visit: (COVID-19) Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and cannot do - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  • Self-contained accommodation will be able to open for overnight stays in England for people with their household or support bubble
  • Outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen, with table service only
  • Most outdoor attractions will be able to reopen
  • Non-essential retail will be able to reopen
  • Personal care premises such as hairdressers and nail salons will be able to reopen
  • Public buildings such as libraries and community centres will be able to reopen
  • Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events will be able to take place for up to 15 people

It is welcome news that we can all start to visit our beautiful National Landscapes once again, but whilst enjoying more time in the Forest of Bowland please continue to stay safe and consider the following:

  • Know the Countryside Code - Plan ahead, take a map and exercise within your limitations to keep pressure off local resources.

  • Avoid hotspots and busy spots – if you arrive at a place that is already busy and car parks are full, please find an alternative. For ideas of short-breaks covering the whole of the National Landscape take a look at our area-based itineraries: https://www.forestofbowland.com/discover-bowland-itineraries
  • Our farmers have been working hard to maintain food supplies during the pandemic. Support them and our communities by leaving gates as you find them, sticking to the path and keeping dogs on the lead (Note: If you are with a dog and cattle chase you, it is safer to let go of your dog's lead).
  • Strictly no BBQs or open fires, due to the danger of wildfire.
  • Leave no trace. Please take all your litter home.
  • Respect the plant and wildlife which has thrived during lockdown.
  • Travel sustainably - If you can, journey on foot or bike; This means you experience the wonderful scenery of the National Landscape en-route and you don’t have to worry about finding a car parking space.
  • Support local - eateries continue to provide takeaway services and if space allows, some outdoor hospitality venues will be able to reopen.  Take a look at the businesses featured on the Discover Bowland website who are all members of the Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Network.  Be sure that you check ahead to make sure that places are open and what they are offering, in-line with the Government roadmap https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-spring-2021/covid-19-response-spring-2021-summary
  • Stay at home if you, or anyone in your household or support bubble, have symptoms of COVID-19 and keep to the isolation guidance issued by government.  Continue to take hygiene precautions when you are outside and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.
  • Be kind and respect one another.

A new, refreshed Countryside Code was launched on 1st April by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the creation of the founding booklet.  With more people enjoying the outdoors than ever before, the code was revised to help people enjoy the countryside in a safe and respectful way.  You can view the new revised version here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code or refer to our local guidance above.

Respect, Protect, Enjoy!