Situated in the North West of England, the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 312sq miles of rural Lancashire and North Yorkshire and includes the famous landmark Pendle Hill.
The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally protected landscape because if its unspoiled and richly diverse landscapes, wildlife and heritage. The area is internationally important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds.
The AONB is managed by a partnership of landowners, farmers, voluntary organisations, wildlife groups, recreation groups, local councils and government agencies, who work to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of this special area.
Bowland is the most important site for breeding hen harriers in England (a nationally threatened bird); it is also host to the peregrine falcon and Britain's smallest bird of prey - the merlin. The damp unimproved upland pastures attract significant populations of wading birds in spring and summer including curlew, lapwing, snipe and redshank.
The Forest of Bowland AONB offers wonderful opportunities for quiet enjoyment such as birdwatching, cycling, fishing and horse riding, and with newly opened Access Land, can now offer some of the most remote and rugged walking in the North West.
To make Bowland your discovery, visit the website at www.forestofbowland.com for things to see and do, ideas for walks, cycles and horse rides and up to date information on local and national events in the area.