News

Lapwing © David Patrick

Festival Bowland 2026 is here!

25th February 2026

Festival Bowland celebrates the nature, landscape, culture and heritage of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and this year's programme is full of fantastic opportunities to get involved.

Ballerina WaxcapThe 2026 calendar offers the chance to discover some truly "champion" species, enjoy night sky wonders and make the most of Bowland's more accessible walking routes, alongside regular favourites like Garstang Walking Festival and National Meadows Day.

Sandra Silk, Project Officer with the National Landscape Partnership, said, "We're very excited to shine a spotlight on Bowland's Champion Species this year. These are the fourteen rare, inspirational or representative species at the heart of the Forest of Bowland's Nature Recovery Plan. Whether it's ballerina waxcap, hen harrier, globeflower or green hairstreak butterfly, we're hoping that this series of creative sessions, hands-on study days, family events, and more, will reveal the champions in all their glory."

The Festival programme also includes a series of brand new Welcoming Walks, exploring stile-free routes around the Forest of Bowland. Weekly walks in April, and again in July, will offer short, seasonal walks, with the chance to chat over a cuppa afterwards as an optional extra.

Sandra explained, "Booking ahead for events doesn't work for everyone, so we've taken inspiration from the weekly walks organised by Wyre Coast and Countryside Service and similar opportunities in Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape, and made these new Welcoming Walks "just turn up". This means that people can see how they feel on the day. Each walk will last around an hour, with the emphasis on a friendly atmosphere and fresh air, rather than distance. We'll be starting at different locations each time, but all meeting points will have parking and toilet facilities and some will be accessible by public transport."

Aurora - image by Graham McLoughlin

Bowland dark skies events will be taking place a little later this year, to coincide with International Dark Sky Week, which runs from the 13th to the 20th of April. With the chance to explore the University of Lancashire's Alston Observatory (and discover the chemical origins of the human body!) hear all about the life of the "whispering" bat, or experience an early evening forest bathe, these spring events are a great opportunity to explore the atmospheric world of the National Landscape once the sun has dipped.

Evening bat walks, botanical and bumblebee identification skills and river life explorations all add to the opportunities available to discover Bowland's wilder side. And, for anyone wanting to roll their sleeves up and get stuck in, regular tree planting sessions throughout March, November and December are a great way to make a difference to this very special place.

Full details of the 2026 Festival Bowland events programme are available on our website at Festival Bowland Events | Forest of Bowland National Landscape

Management Plan Consultation

19th January 2026

Consultation Opens on Draft 2026–2031 Forest of Bowland National Landscape Management PlanManagement Plan Achievements 2019-2026

In spring 2026, the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will unveil its new five-year Management Plan—a bold and refreshed vision to protect, enhance and celebrate this extraordinary place for generations to come.

Formerly designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Forest of Bowland now forms part of the National Landscapes family—a name that better reflects the significance of these protected landscapes.

The draft 2026–2031 Management Plan has been developed with input from a wide range of partners via workshops and meetings over the last six months. This plan sets out what makes the Forest of Bowland so special, the challenges it faces, and the actions needed to conserve, enhance and celebrate its components of natural beauty and special qualities.

The Management Plan aims to:

  • Celebrate the unique character and special qualities of the Forest of Bowland.
  • Present a shared vision for its future, shaped by those who live in, work in and care for the landscape.
  • Set out clear outcomes and measures to guide decision-making and action.
  • Reflect the aspirations of a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities, farmers and landowners to local authorities and conservation organisations.

Tony Lund, Partnership Manager for the Forest of Bowland, said:
“A management plan is vital for a National Landscape. It provides the statutory framework to define a shared vision, coordinate action with partners and set clear outcomes for conservation, climate resilience, community needs, health and wellbeing, and opportunities for people to explore and understand this special place. This plan is our primary strategy to protect and enhance the Forest of Bowland’s special qualities while tackling major challenges like biodiversity loss and climate change.”

John Ibison, Borough Councillor and Chair of the Joint Advisory Committee, added:
“The Forest of Bowland is a living, working landscape. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in its future to have their say. Your input will help shape a plan that reflects local aspirations and safeguards this special place for generations to come.”

Have Your Say

This is not the finalised plan, and we are now seeking views from people who live, work and visit the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. The public consultation period runs from 19 January to 2 March 2026.

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit:
www.forestofbowland.com/management-plan-2026

Environment Secretary Announces Extension of Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme

9th January 2026

At the Oxford Farming Conference on 8 January 2025, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP announced a series of measures to support farmers in England, focusing on clarity, partnership and growth. Among these was the extension of the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme.

Infographic showing FiPL achievementsThe FiPL programme, which has been running in the Forest of Bowland National Landscape since July 2021, helps farmers and land managers deliver projects that:

  • Support nature recovery.
  • Mitigate the impacts of climate change.
  • Provide opportunities for people to enjoy and understand landscapes and cultural heritage.
  • Strengthen nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

Defra - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs - has confirmed that FiPL will be extended for a further three years, running from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029, with £30 million in funding allocated for next year.

In her announcement, Emma Reynolds highlighted that partnership is at the heart of FiPL, bringing together farmers, protected landscape organisations and local communities to achieve change at a scale no single holding could deliver alone. This extension will enable more farmers to create meaningful benefits for nature, climate and communities across England’s National Parks and National Landscapes.

Since its launch, FiPL has supported over 11,000 farmers across 44 protected landscapes nationwide, funding more than 5,500 projects and helping to establish around 100 farm cluster groups. In the Forest of Bowland National Landscape alone, within the first four years, FiPL has supported over 163 projects—ranging from planting and restoring hedgerows, creating wildlife-rich habitats, and improving soil health to enhancing footpaths, providing accessible amenities and hosting educational farm visits—to name just a few.  It has also supported farmers in starting or progressing their transition to more regenerative farming practices.

Colin Price, Chair of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Local Assessment Panel, said:
"The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has had a significant impact in our area. It’s not just about funding projects—it’s about building relationships and creating a shared vision for sustainable farming and thriving landscapes. This extension gives us the opportunity to continue that momentum and deliver even greater benefits for farmers, nature and local communities."

FiPL forms part of the government’s wider commitment to improving the natural environment, alongside the revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) published on 1 December.

Details of the extended funding for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be announced soon. Current funding (ending March 2026) is fully allocated, but we encourage interested farmers and landowners to submit an expression of interest via: www.forestofbowland.com/farming-protected-landscapes

Connecting People and Nature provides community leaders training in Preston

6th November 2025

Community leaders, volunteers and professionals from a broad range of backgrounds have been given the chance to learn new skills over a 3-day course to help the groups they are involved with to enjoy the benefits of getting outdoors. The aim of the training was to help people develop the skills and confidence necessary to lead and engage people in their communities in connecting with nature.

Community leaders training

The 13 delegates - many of whom work directly in the community sector in Blackburn, Preston and Lancaster, including those focused on children and young people - represented various organisations committed to making a difference in their local area.

Hosted at The Hub on Grange Park, Ribbleton and Beacon Fell Country Park, the course was part of the three-year Connecting People and Nature project. This is being delivered by UK educational charity the Ernest Cook Trust and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

On day one of the course, participants took part in teambuilding activities and started to think about what it takes to incorporate the outdoors into their groups.

The second day expanded on this further, using different low-cost materials for nature-based activities that community leaders could replicate with their groups. They also had in-depth conversations about what it takes to be a leader in the outdoors, the barriers people face in accessing nature, and the benefits nature connection can bring.

On the final day, the community leaders deepened their understanding of how to lead outdoor based sessions, including meeting health and safety, organisational and administrative requirements. Towards the end of the day the group had time to exchange their own knowledge and skills in the community sector with other participants, which included the sharing of valuable resources and contacts.

Attendees on the course represented:

  • The Foxton Centre, Preston
  • Let's grow Preston
  • Deafway
  • B.L.O.O.M by SMA
  • Sanctuary Cookalongs
  • Adullam
  • Places for People
  • St Stephens Church
  • Their Stories
  • Fulwood Methodist Church
  • CancerHelp, Preston

CPAN logo

Take time to unwind in nature this month

8th October 2025

Forest Bathing WalkChoose from a relaxing stroll, a mindful forest meander, or a delightful rural exploration.

Wyre Coast & Countryside Service will be heading out from the picturesque village of Scorton for a circular walk on the afternoon of Friday 17th October. Around two miles long, this particular route has been graded "moderate".

A fortnight later, on Friday 24th, Wyre's volunteer leaders will be ready to lead you on a walk around the rural village of Catterall and the surrounding countryside. Graded "moderate" again, this walk is a little longer, at four to five miles.

Both of these walks are free and there's no need to book ahead but, if you'd like more information, you'll find contact details on Wyre Council's "Great Outdoors" website at this link Events – Wyre Council. (This is also where you can check whether there are any updates with arrangements.)  Under 18s will need to be accompanied by an adult.

On Saturday the 18th of October, why not enjoy a mindful morning walk through beautiful Beacon Fell, with Rewilding Outdoor Therapy?  Embrace the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest and allow yourself to be fully present in the moment. This event is suitable for participants of 18 years and over.

Forest Bathing Walk

The event costs £5 per person and places do need to be booked in advance. Full details, along with the booking link, are available here LCC Events. For further information, please email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk or phone 07973 923142.

And don't forget Wyre Council's regular Monday walks from Garstang! Further details available here Garstang short walk – Wyre Council

Older news