Sites and Facilities

Forest of Bowland AONB

The beauty of the Forest of Bowland and the grandeur of Pendle Hill, could aptly be described as Britain's best. The Forest of Bowland is officially designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and visitors will discover this little known jewel in Lancashire's crown is ideal for a break. It is a spectacular area for sporting activities, wildlife, walking and touring.

AONB DESIGNATION

The Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill were designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in February 1964. The Pendle Hill section is geographically detached from the Forest of Bowland section but the two together share the title Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Forest of Bowland is the eleventh largest of the 40 designated AONB's in England and Wales, situated mainly in the county of Lancashire, part of the area does extend into North Yorkshire. The area is essentially upland country consisting of a plateau of rolling hills and moors which are dissected by deep valleys. In the north, Bowland consists of a block of gritstone moors extending from about 183M to 550M above sea level. In the south of the area the fells are more detached.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings.
Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004.

MANAGEMENT
A strategy and proposed actions for the period 1995 - 2005 is set out in the Forest of Bowland Management Plan published in 1995. The plan is one of the first of its kind and has been instrumental in attracting new resources into the AONB to help preserve its increasingly precious heritage as a national asset. The strategy is strongly based on partnership and joint working with the local communities, farmers and landowners, conservation and recreational interests. The plan is kept under regular review and any ideas and suggestions are always welcome. Projects include rejuvenating old ponds, the repair of drystone walls, tree and hedgerow planting schemes. Improvements to public rights of way are also undertaken through the provision of new stiles, waymarking, surfacing and drainage works. The aim of the Forest of Bowland AONB Action Plan is to provide a prioritised ten year (2000-2010) implementation programme that delivers the Forest of Bowland Management Plan, builds upon past achievements and develops new opportunities. Progress on implementation is reported through an Annual Report.

RECREATION IN THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Visitors to the Forest of Bowland can enjoy a variety of informal recreational pursuits. Whether it be walking, cycling, climbing or less energetic pastimes such as picnicking or touring the countryside, there is something for everyone. The intention behind managing the Forest of Bowland for recreation is to encourage the development of recreational opportunities which are appropriate to the area. These opportunities will take into account the need for Landscape and Wildlife Conservation and also consider the requirements of the people who live and work in the area. Within the Forest of Bowland there are Access Areas at Clougha, Fairsnape, Wolf Fell and Saddle Fell, camping barns which make excellent bases from which to explore the countryside, picnic sites, guided walks and Beacon Fell Country Park, all of which help you to discover the natural beauty of the Forest of Bowland.

Visit the Forest of Bowland Web Site at www.forestofbowland.com for more information.