The Forest of Bowland

The Forest of Bowland prides itself on being an area of spectacular natural beauty made up of unbounded rolling hills, valleys and moorlands which provide a home for a multitude of different plant and animal species.

Located in north-east Lancashire, much of Bowland is upland terrain which forms part of the Pennines. This unique environment is one of huge interest to eager sightseers as well as scientists, ecologists and historians.

Nestled deep within the vast landscapes are treasures from the past which give historians an insight into the heritage of the Forest of Bowland, painting a picture of the people who settled there and how they lived.
Evidence of medieval inhabitants can be found all over Bowland in the many distinct stone buildings built during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.
Sites such as the Cistercian monastery (at Sawley), motte and bailey castles (in the Lune Valley) and manmade stone piles known as cairns (ay Parlick Pike) all help to tell the fascinating story of how the Forest of Bowland has developed into the spectacular site it is today.

The hundreds of years of human activity have transformed this landscape into an area of ecological significance. 13% of Bowland has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (info from www.forestofbowland.com) with particular focus on the heather moorlands which make up a large part of the landscape.
These moorlands provide a home and breeding ground for specially protected upland birds such as Hen Harriers and Ring Ouzels.

The moorlands are a popular site for bird watchers and those who are lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these rare and beautiful creatures will have their patience rewarded as they experience the magnificence of these birds in their natural habitat.

For those who seek something a little closer to the ground, the grasslands, heaths, rivers and woodlands are just a few of the diverse habitats that play host to Bowland’s huge variety of wildlife.

The wonders of the Forest of Bowland are best experienced on foot or by bicycle along one of the specially marked walking and cycling routes.

Walking routes start from various points around the site of Bowland and vary in length and difficulty to accommodate all levels of experience.
For the more casual walker there is the “Bluebells and Woodland Delights” walk, a 2 mile amble starting from the picturesque village of Calder Vale on the West side of Bowland. This slightly gentler route is perfect for novice walkers or families and passes through vibrant woodlands which are brought to life in late spring by bright bluebells.

More seasoned hikers might prefer the “Stocks Reservoir” walk, an ambitious 8 mile trek starting from Gisburn Forest on the East side of Bowland, the largest forest in Lancashire. Peppering this walk are historical points of interest such as the old railway track and Stocks Reservoir Dam.

No matter what your ability or interests there are walks to suit every need. Cycling routes take a similar format showcasing the magnificent surroundings of Bowland. There are also horse-riding routes, a natural and relaxing way to experience what this environment has to offer. The many lakes and streams that are scattered across the landscape provide peaceful spots for fishing, bird and wildlife watching, offering a rare look into the natural world at work.

With so much to explore through all the seasons, the Forest of Bowland is a place of fascinating history, magnificent nature and majestic charm for all types of visitors all year round.

Pictures supplied by Graham Cooper  © Copyright www.forestofbowlandimages.com