Forest of Bowland AONB
The essential landscape character of the Forest of Bowland is one of grandeur and isolation. The AONB, geologically part of the main Pennine range, is dominated by a central upland core of deeply incised gritstone fells with summits above 450 m and vast tracts of heather-covered peat moorland. The fells' fringe of foothills is dissected by steep-sided valleys which open out into the rich green lowlands of the Ribble, Hodder, Wyre and Lune Valleys. Well-wooded and dotted with picturesque stone farms and villages, these lower slopes, criss-crossed by drystone walls, contrast with and complement the dramatic open sweep of the gritstone heights. On its southeastern edge, famous Pendle Hill forms an outlier to the AONB.
Bowland's ecological features make it a nationally important area for nature conservation and 13 per cent is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (www.english-nature.org.uk/special/sssi/). The moors are a major breeding ground for upland birds and the major part of the Bowland Fells is designated as a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive. The lowlands contain important ancient woodland habitat.
Traditionally, building in Bowland is in local gritstone and has a strong vernacular style which adds to, rather than detracts from, the quality of the landscape. Population (15,000) is scattered, and traditional villages such as Slaidburn and Newton have seen very little modern development. Sheep and beef farming predominates in the uplands with dairying being the major land use in the valleys. There is some forestry, water catchment and mineral extraction. Increasingly, tourism is adding extra income to the local rural economy.The growing numbers of day visitors underline the fact that Preston, Lancaster and the towns of north east Lancashire lie close to the AONB and one million people live within a 30 minute car journey.
For further information, visit the Forest of Bowland AONB website (www.forestofbowland.com/).
Content supplied by the National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (www.aonb.org.uk/)