Communities across the Forest of Bowland and surrounding areas are set to benefit from a major new project designed to restore nature, improve access to green spaces, and support the people who live and work in this iconic landscape.

About Bowland Connects

As well as Ribble Rivers Trust, the partnership includes the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, RSPB, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and the Woodland Trust. By working together to share knowledge, resources, and experience, the group aims to take a more joined-up approach to protecting and restoring the area.

At its heart, Bowland Connects is about people as much as place. The project will focus on building stronger partnerships and developing a shared plan that reflects the needs and views of local communities. By working together Bowland Connects will help ensure that future decisions are grounded in both evidence and the lived experience of those who know the landscape best.

Hannah Lederer, Ribble Rivers Trust, said:
“Bowland is a special place for so many people, whether you live here, work the land, or come to enjoy the countryside. This project is about bringing people together to protect and restore that natural heritage in a way that benefits both wildlife and local communities.

One of the first steps will be to build a clearer picture of the landscape by mapping habitats, wildlife, and important heritage features. This will help identify where work is most needed and where it can make the biggest difference to support wildlife and reconnect habitats.”

People at the heart of Bowland Connects

Rachael Antiws, Director of Nature Recovery at Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust added:
“We want to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to connect with nature on their doorstep. By understanding the barriers people face, we can create more inclusive opportunities and inspire more people to get involved in protecting Bowland.”

Tony Lund, Partnership Manager at the Forest of Bowland NL said: “We are excited to be working with partners on this major new scheme. Pooling our knowledge and expertise and listening to communities, farmers and other players will make Bowland Connects a radically different landscape-scale programme which we believe will have real and lasting impact.”

Michael Devlin, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, said: “This exciting new project paves the way for nature recovery at scale across the interconnected upland habitats of the Yorkshire Dales and the Forest of Bowland. By working closely with farmers, landowners and a closely aligned group of partner organisations, this project will strengthen connections between people, nature and place.”

Robin Horner, RSPB Area Manager, said: “The launch of this project demonstrates the strong partnership between nature organisations and local communities committed to making nature more accessible for everyone.”

Work on the initial phase of the project has already begun and will run to May 2027. Upon completion of the initial phase of Bowland Connects, there will be opportunity to undertake detailed development and delivery phases, with potentially up to 8 years of delivery.

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re thrilled to support Ribble Rivers Trust and their partners to develop their plans to protect the wildlife-rich landscape of the Forest of Bowland. It is vital that we value, rebuild and protect our natural heritage so it is sustained for the future. This initiative will allow local communities to connect with landscape and learn about its importance.”

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape is a nationally and internationally important area, rich in wildlife, heritage, and unspoilt scenery. Covering 312 square miles, it is prized for its habitats, including moorlands, blanket bogs, woodlands, and species-rich meadows. Picturesque villages such as Waddington, Dunsop Bridge, and Slaidburn are steeped in history and support a network of walking and cycling routes.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund aims to ensure heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. As the largest funder for the UK’s heritage they are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in their strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. The Heritage Fund believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. Over the next 10 years, they aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

The Ribble Catchment is the area of land that is drained by the River Ribble and its major tributaries; the Hodder, Calder, Darwen and Douglas. It covers a varied landscape, from the rural hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the source of the River Ribble, to major urban areas of Lancashire including Blackburn, Burnley and Preston.

PROJECT PARTNERS

Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT)

Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a local environmental charity established in 1997 to protect and restore the rivers, streams and watercourses within the Ribble catchment and to raise public awareness of the value of our local rivers and streams. The Trust use a catchment-based approach to river conservation, focusing on four different factors: water quality, water quantity, habitat health, and habitat connectivity. These factors are the foundations of a healthy rivers and well-functioning ecosystems and link to the Trust’s key activities of woodland and wetland creation, fish passage, education and engagement, farm advice, habitat improvements, and increased access.

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT)

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is a small charity doing big things for people, nature and wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Established in 1997, YDMT partners with organisations across the Yorkshire Dales to deliver a range of nature recovery and social impact projects.

The Forest of Bowland National Landscape

The Forest of Bowland is one of 46 National Landscapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland and covers 803 square kilometres (312 square miles) of rural land in Lancashire and North Yorkshire. Designated as a protected landscape in 1964, it is important for its heather moorland, blanket bog and rare birds like the iconic Hen Harrier – symbol of the National Landscape.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is dedicated to the protection and promotion of the wildlife in Lancashire, seven boroughs of Greater Manchester and four of Merseyside, all lying north of the River Mersey.  It manages around 40 nature reserves and 20 Local Nature Reserves covering acres of woodland, wetland, upland and meadow. The Trust has 27,000 members, and over 1,200 volunteers.

RSPB

The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, with 1.2 million members and 11,000 volunteers, all acting for nature. We protect and restore habitats and landscapes, save species and are helping to tackle the nature and climate emergency. For over a century we’ve been a voice for birds and the natural world, inspiring and influencing millions through conservation, powerful partnerships and campaigning. Our network of over 200 nature reserves sits at the heart of our world-leading science and conservation delivery. We want to see a shared world where wildlife, wild places and all people thrive.

Protect the rivers you love

Rivers are at the heart of our local landscapes. Whether you’re casting a line, exploring a riverside trail, or simply basking in the beauty of nature, you can help protect these special places now, and for generations to come.

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