News

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.

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.

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