Diamond Year To Discover Bowland
To coincide with the Forest of Bowland’s 60th anniversary as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a new guide has been launched
This year marks 60 years since the designation of the Forest of Bowland as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and coincides with celebrating its new name as a National Landscape, making this a fantastic year to explore and enjoy this beautiful area.
As the Forest of Bowland launches its 2024 Discover Bowland Guide, rural businesses in the area’s Sustainable Tourism Network are emphasising the year-round appeal of this natural landscape and are offering a warm welcome to everyone.
As well as giving practical advice and information on making the most of holidays and short breaks in the area, the Discover Bowland Guide also highlights the increasingly diverse tourism options in the amazing landscapes of the Forest of Bowland.
From year-round favourites like walking and cycling, to exploring the night skies, food tourism and the therapeutic benefits of being in nature, the new guide is packed with useful tips and practical information.
Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable tourism officer Hetty Byrne explains: “From a refreshing break at a rural inn with roaring log fires and fabulous local food to a fun-filled family holiday or a short spring break as the countryside bursts back to life, the Forest of Bowland is a genuine destination for all seasons.
“We’re also delighted to launch our 12 new Eco Escapes itineraries to enable eco-conscious visitors to refresh, recharge and revive with a sustainable short break in the area’s beautiful green spaces.”
The 116-page Discover guide also includes features the fantastic work of the Forest of Bowland National Landscape Team. Find out about new peatland restoration practices, volunteer bumble bee helpers, nature recovery plans and new developments to accessing the countryside.
Why not join Festival Bowland and experience a whole variety of events throughout the seasons? From dark sky adventures and spring moorland safaris, to summer days enjoying our iconic meadows and autumn foraging and feasting – there is something to discover for everyone.
This year’s guide was launched at Wild Fox Distillery, Inglewhite and was attended by members of the Bowland Sustainable Tourism Business group, who enjoyed a morning of networking and finding out about more inclusive and accessible tourism.
Printed in a durable perfect-bound, pocket-friendly format, the guide will be widely available at tourist information centres, hospitality and accommodation providers and other outlets across the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.
As an AONB the Forest of Bowland has been identified as an area of countryside that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value.
The first AONB, designated in 1956, was the Gower Peninsula, and the last and most recent, designated in 1995, is the Tamar Valley AONB, which spans Devon and Cornwall.
Since 2000 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnerships have coordinated habitat restoration projects across many thousands of hectares, restored peatlands, provided free educational opportunities for many thousands of children of all ages and delivered many wellbeing programmes.
Other National Landscapes in the North of England include Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, Howardian Hills National Landscape, Nidderdale, North Pennines, the Northumberland Coast and the Solway Coast.
The new 2024 Discover Bowland Guide will also be available to download online at: forestofbowland.com
