Last updated : 1st July 2025
The Forest of Bowland Farmer Group has been developed by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme. It aims to act as a contact group for Farmers within the Forest of Bowland National Landscape to provide support and connectivity during the agricultural transition. The group was established in April 2023.
Over the three year period we will host 22 themed meetings, delivering information on relevant farming topics which will help farmers adjust during the agricultural transition. The meetings will be held on farms where possible, with farmers who are already involved in that topic, with key speakers and partner organisations invited to deliver information. We hope that these events will be informative, give farmers the chance to explore farming opportunities, and help to develop new friendships and contacts across the National Landscape.
Alongside these events, we will be sending quarterly e-newsletters and email updates which will include details of potential funding opportunities, local training courses and meetings, updates from the rural crime and policing team, and of course our own Forest of Bowland Farmer Group events.
There is no charge for becoming a member and you can choose how involved you want to be, there is no pressure to attend all the meetings.
To sign up please complete your details on this sign up form or get in touch with Laura Simpson laura.simpson2@lancashire.gov.uk
New for 2025!
Training Vouchers of up to £200
Great news! The application window for the Forest of Bowland Farmers Group Training Vouchers is now OPEN.
With thanks to funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, the Forest of Bowland Farmer Group can offer up to £200 towards the cost of a range of training courses – subject to approval.
The fund is competitive therefore all applications will be considered after the deadline of 10am on Monday 4th August.
If you would like any advice or guidance prior to submitting an application please feel free to get in touch.
All applicants must be 18 years of age or over at the time of application.
Applications MUST deliver for one or more of the FiPL Outcomes: Climate, Nature, People & Place. Find out more here.
Each farm business within the Forest of Bowland farmer group is entitled to one voucher worth up to £200 excluding VAT for 1 training course. The training vouchers will be administered by the Farmer Network Ltd who operate a similar scheme in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
The training must be completed by 24th January 2026 and the voucher claimed no later than 31st January 2026.
Please see the application form here. It is preferred you complete this form electronically, however if you'd like a paper copy please get in touch and I will post one out.
Forest of Bowland Farmer Group Meetings
Our meetings to date have been held on farms across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape. With a variety of topics covered, each meeting has been well attended and we have received very positive feedback. Summaries of each meeting can be found in the e-newsletters further down this page. The themes of the meetings were -
- June 23 - Regenerative Agriculture at Old Hall Farm, Roughlee
- Aug 23 - Nature Friendly Farming in Bowland at Croasdale Farm, Slaidburn
- Nov 23 - Water, Woodlands & Natural Flood Management at Brackenhurst Farm, Tosside
- Feb 24 - Farming & Working with Waders at Lawkland Hall Farm, Eldroth
- May 24 - Woodlands and choosing the right tree for the right place at Carter Fold Farm, Waddington
- May 24 - Rotational Grazing in collaboration with Oakhill Vets and Pasture for Life at Wood End Farm, Dunsop Bridge
- Jan 25 - SFI Update Meeting at Slaidburn Village Hall, followed by SFI Drop-in Sessions at Hornby and Dunsop Bridge
- Feb 25 - F3A Farming and Forestry First Aid Course at Wood End Farm, Dunsop Bridge
- March 25 - Diversification at Burn House Farm, Newton-in-Bowland & Wood End Farm, Dunsop Bridge
- June 25 - Botany ID Training at The Gathering Fields, Over Wyresdale
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We have also run a dry-stone walling 'gapping up' course for farmers, held in May 2024.
On Thursday 13th June 2024, we hosted the Forestry Commissions CEO Richard Stanford & Director Anna Brown at a Farmers Breakfast with a focus on how trees and woods can provide a multitude of benefits for farms.
Join us for our next meetings -
F3A Farming & Forestry First Aid Courses
This practical course of 3 hours is delivered by F3A, and aims to equip you with basic lifesaving skills and farm accident specific scenario training. The courses have been heavily subsidised by the Farmer Group and Ribble Valley Community Safety Partnership.
Thursday 17th July
5pm - 9pm
Laund Farm, Chipping, Preston, PR3 2GS
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Wednesday 13th August
10am - 2pm
Long Bank Farm, Keasden, Clapham, Lancaster, LA2 8EY
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Friday 5th September
10am - 2pm
Thorney Bank Farm, Jinny Lane, Roughlee, Roughlee, Burnley, BB12 9LL
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£20 contribution per person, with a free lunch / supper included.
Please email laura.simpson2@lancashire.gov.uk to book on
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James Rebanks' Farm Visit - FULLY BOOKED
Tuesday 29th July
4pm - 8pm
Racy Ghyll Farm, Penruddock, Troutbeck, Penrith, CA11 0SB
Join us on Tuesday 29th July as we spend the evening at Racy Ghyll Farm, kindly hosted by the Rebanks Family. We will meet at the farm at 4pm for a farm walk and talk. This will then be followed by a delicious home cooked meal with produce from the Rebanks farm. This is set to be an informative and inspiring visit, so be sure to book your place!
Please make your own way to Racy Ghyll Farm, but we encourage you to car share where possible.
Too add your name to the waiting list please email laura.simpson2@lancashire.gov.uk
Please let me know if you are happy to offer lifts to others, and if you have any dietary requirements.
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Quarterly e-newsletters
2023-2024 e-newsletters
2024 - 2025 e-newsletters
2025 - 2026 e-newsletters
Useful Contacts for Farmers
Click here to view and download our helpful list of contacts within the local area who can offer advice on different aspects of farming. We hope this will prove useful and save you some time in trying to make contact with those you need! This will be updated as time goes on so do check back.
For more information please contact Laura Simpson on laura.simpson2@lancashire.gov.uk 07720 155 857 or 01200 448 000