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Lapwing © David Patrick

Bowland art project set for big finale in Gisburn Forest

19th August 2025

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.

Installation by Rob St John

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


A Celebration of Bowland's Culinary Heritage and Local Produce

13th August 2025

Embark on a week of wild food adventures and tasty trails with Feast Bowland’s immersive programme of events.

Bowland and Bay Food TourThe annual Feast Bowland week returns from the 15th to 20th September, offering a week-long celebration of the rich culinary heritage and local produce found across the Forest of Bowland.  Participants can enjoy guided walks and wanders, and foodie experiences, all while discovering the wild foods and distinctive dishes that make Bowland special.

Event highlights include:

  • Wild Food Exploration (15 Sept, Gisburn Forest) – Discover edible plants and mushrooms on a woodland wander with Pendle Plant Craft.
  • Mushroom Cultivation Workshop (15 Sept, Holden Clough Nursery) – Learn to grow gourmet mushrooms at home with Ade Rose.
  • Herbal Medicine Walk & Workshop (16 Sept, Barrowford) – After a short nature walk and talk, head back to Pendle Heritage Centre to create herbal elixirs and tonics with Danielle Kay.
  • Herbal Medicine ElixirElderberry Forage & Make (17 Sept, Jeffrey Hill) – Craft elderberry vinegar and cordial, with lunch included.
  • Bowland & Bay Food Tour (19 Sept, Lancaster) – A guided tasting journey with six stops to some fantastic local producers.
  • Herbal First Aid Workshop (19 Sept, Dunsop Bridge) – Discover natural remedies and first aid techniques with Helen from the Gathering Fields.
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  • Picnic & Play in the Park (20 Sept, Dunsop Bridge) – A free family event with games and outdoor fun with Matt Donnelly from ParkPlay.

A Seasonal Community Gathering hosted by Land and Sea will also take place on Thursday 18th September at Patty’s Barn, Cockerham, offering a relaxed evening of food, conversation and connection.

Join us in celebrating the distinctive local produce, compelling stories and beautiful landscapes that make the Forest of Bowland so very special.

"Feast Bowland is more than a food festival—it’s a chance to connect with the land, the people and the traditions that shape this remarkable place," says Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland Sustainable Tourism Officer. "We’re proud to showcase the incredible local produce and the passionate individuals who bring Bowland’s flavours and stories to life".

Full details are available on the Forest of Bowland website: www.forestofbowland.com/feast-bowland-2025


Bowland's Heritage Brought to Life with Festival Bowland

12th August 2025

Fountain replica

Discover the fascinating history of the area around Bellman quarry and lime kiln between Clitheroe and Chatburn on a free, evening guided walk on Thursday 28th August. The route includes a visit to Bellmanpark Lime Kilns Scheduled Monument, the site of Clitheroe's fourth racecourse and the location of the old Hark to Bellman Pub.

As part of the national Heritage Open Days programme, Wyre Council are offering a free event highlighting Bleasdale's past and present with a guided autumn walk around this lovely area on the 12th of September.

Tuesday 7th October sees the annual Bowland Lecture return to Browsholme Hall's beautiful Tithe Barn once again. In this year's lecture: Are You Lost? The past, present and future of Bowland", Dr Rob St John 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.

Full details, including booking information, are available by clicking on the highlighted links, or in the Festival Bowland listings at: www.forestofbowland.com/festival-bowland, where you'll find all this year's Festival Bowland events.

Bleasdale Church


ANNUAL BOWLAND LECTURE IS OPEN FOR BOOKING

11th August 2025

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?

Tithe Barn, Browsholme Hall

The lecture will take place on the evening of Tuesday 7th October at Browsholme Hall's Tithe Barn.

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


Bowland Farmers Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Conservation and Environmental Improvements

24th July 2025

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Tye Trophy Competition, at an esteemed event that highlights farms in the North of England and recognises their contributions to conservation and environmental improvements. The winners were revealed at the Great Yorkshire Show on 9th July.

Tye Award Winners

The Tye Trophy Competition, culminating in the prestigious Silver Lapwing Award, highlights the integration of wildlife conservation and environmental management within commercial farming operations. This year, the competition featured outstanding entries from seven regions: Cumbria, Lancashire, North Yorkshire, East Yorkshire, South and West Yorkshire, Tyne Tees and Northumberland.

Overall Winners of the Tye Trophy for the North of England: Bowland farmers Colin and Alan Price of Long Bank Farm, Keasden, were named the overall winners. The award acknowledged their significant management of 50 acres of meadows under an Organic Higher Level Stewardship agreement, benefiting breeding curlews and lapwings. Colin commented, "For years, we've worked closely with the RSPB on breeding wader management and surveys – it's something we're really passionate about. Winning this award is a huge honour and highlights the importance of conservation and sustainable farming, which are central to our farming approach."

Lancashire Area Winners: Sarah and Graham Whitwell of Carter Fold Farm, Waddington, were recognised for their extensive environmental improvements through agri-environment agreements and collaborations. Their projects include tree and hedgerow planting, birdbox schemes, and a swift box initiative, all while balancing farm viability with conservation efforts.  Sarah said, "It was an honour to attend the awards ceremony at the Great Yorkshire Show last week to receive our award alongside the other shortlisted farmers.  We all farm in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and it’s nice to be recognised for the hard work and graft that we put in to make Bowland such a special place."

Lancashire Finalists: Andrew and Stephen Taylor of Botton Head Farm, Tatham, have been in agri-environment agreements for over 25 years, currently in a Higher Tier agreement. They were recognised for their sustainable farming practices, including peatland and hedgerow restoration, as well as management for breeding waders and moorland.

Tarja Wilson, Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme Lead Officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, who has supported these farmers, said:  "The Tye Trophy Awards are a vital recognition of the dedication and innovation within the farming community. They highlight the exceptional efforts of farmers who balance productive agriculture with environmental stewardship, highlighting the best practices that ensure the sustainability and resilience of our rural landscapes. It was fantastic to see many Bowland farmers recognised for their efforts." She adds, "By showcasing successful sustainable farming practices, the awards can inspire other farmers to adopt similar approaches.  We wish the Price family all the very best as they progress to the national Silver Lapwing Awards."

For more information about the Tye Trophy Competition and to view the winning entries, please visit www.typetrophycompetition.com


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