The Forest of Bowland AONB:
1964-2014
This Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
was designated a protected landscape in
1964 using legislation from the National
Parks Act of 1949. The Forest of Bowland
covers 803 square kilometres (312 sq
miles) of upland fells and river valleys
lying to the west of the main Pennine
chain, and straddling what was, in 1964,
the Lancashire and West Riding county
boundary. It remains a secluded and
breathtaking landscape.
The Forest of Bowland was never a
heavily wooded area, but gets its name
from the medieval royal hunting forests
which dominated the area up until
the 1600s. The land is mostly heather
moor divided by steep wooded cloughs,
and skirted by lush river valleys. It is a
wildlife area of national and international
significance, largely for its rare birds and
peat bog plant assemblages; but it is
also notable for important upland hay
meadows and ancient woodlands.
The Forest of Bowland is still largely
managed as shooting estates and farmland,
almost totally in private ownership. The
area includes Pendle Hill and thus fringes
the heavily populated East Lancashire
valleys, and it provides a rich and tranquil
playground for the many nearby residents
and increasing numbers of visitors from
further afield.
People come to Bowland for fresh air and
exercise, to tramp the fells and watch the
wildlife; they also come to enjoy the views
and the peace and quiet, and to sample
excellent local food and drink.
The AONB is a living landscape with a rich
heritage; the villages are picturesque with
a warm, friendly community and bags of
self reliance. Farms range from large dairy
operations to hill sheep farms; and the
moors are largely keepered for grouse.
At first glance not much has changed over
the last 50 years, and indeed that’s what
many people love about the area, but look
closer and you’ll see how communities
have responded to changes and crises, and
how they have not only managed these
changes, but often become stronger as a
result of them.
Bluebell Woods