Our glamping site at Bleasdale sits just in the south-western corner of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
In 2014 the Forest of Bowland celebrated its 50th birthday, having first come under the protection of Natural England in 1964. Though part of it spreads into Yorkshire, the majority of the area is located in north-east Lancashire and forms part of the Pennines. Described as a landscape of grandeur and isolation the Forest of Bowland is characterised by its heather-covered peat moorland and the rippling fells and valleys that it blankets.
Wooded cloughs link rugged upland to the gentler lowland which opens out into greenery and valleys dotted with farms and villages. Important wildlife thrives in the varying landscapes; rare birds make use of its unspoiled habitats and the extensive heather moors support breading grounds. A wealth of heritage includes 16th century stone buildings, Medieval castles and various prehistoric remains such as Bleasdale Circle. It is little wonder the area is not only an AONB but also hosts a large Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
AONBs are designated for the high quality of their flora, fauna, scenic views, or historic and cultural associations. Natural England's main aim is to safeguard the natural environment of England's special places, and protect them for the benefit of everyone. To encourage the public to enjoy the natural charms offered by the Forest of Bowland, the AONB works with local experts and countryside staff to host a year round diary of events called the Festival Bowland. The festival is a celebration of wildlife and heritage that includes a range of exhibitions, shows, walks, talks, arts, crafts and information.
Taking place between February and December, the Festival Bowland gives everyone a chance to experience the best Forest of Bowland walks in every season and has a walk for every occasion: long walks, short walks, estate walks, walking festivals, bat walks in the evening, family-friendly walks, walks with talks and walks into woodland! Bleasdale has direct access to the local footpath network and the area is beautiful at any time of the year with loads to offer in terms of landscape and local wildlife. The Forest of Bowland gives you a fantastic opportunity to launch yourself into the great outdoors. Take a look at the calendar of different events here or a pdf of the 2015 What's On guide here.
Author:
Luci Ackers
Luci loves getting out and about for a good cycle ride or easy-going walks in the countryside, and thoroughly enjoyed the time she previously spent working for the National Trust. Her love of writing started from a young age and on rainy days nothing beats curling up in a secret corner with a good book.