Bowland Connects launches with £250,000 Lottery grant

The funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will enable Ribble Rivers Trust and a coalition of environmental organisations to launch Bowland Connects, an ambitious initiative aimed at restoring habitats, improving access to nature and supporting the people who live and work in the area.

Made possible by National Lottery players, the grant will fund the project's initial development phase, bringing together farmers, landowners, conservation groups and local communities to create a long-term vision for the Forest of Bowland.

The partnership includes the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, the RSPB, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Lancashire County Council, United Utilities and the Woodland Trust.

Rather than focusing solely on wildlife, Bowland Connects aims to place local people at the heart of the project, ensuring future decisions reflect both scientific evidence and the experiences of those who know the landscape best.

One of the first tasks will be to build a detailed picture of the area's habitats, wildlife and heritage features. This mapping exercise will help identify where restoration work can have the greatest impact, improving biodiversity while reconnecting fragmented habitats across the landscape.

Hannah Lederer, of 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.”

The project will also examine how to encourage more people to engage with the natural environment by reviewing existing work with schools, community groups and public services to identify barriers that may prevent participation.

Rachael Antiws, director of Nature Recovery at Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside Wildlife Trust, said: “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.”

As well as improving habitats, Bowland Connects will explore opportunities to develop local skills and employment. This includes investigating training in conservation, land management and traditional rural crafts to help ensure the landscape can be cared for well into the future.

Farmers and land managers are expected to play a key role through plans for a new Bowland Integrated Farm Advice Hub, offering support and guidance while exploring new ways to fund long-term environmental improvements through public, private and community investment.

Tony Lund, partnership manager at the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said: “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.”

The initial phase of the project is already under way and will continue until May 2027. Subject to further funding, it could be followed by a detailed development stage and up to eight years of delivery, helping secure the future of the Forest of Bowland for generations to come.

Helen Featherstone, director for England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said the scheme would help “value, rebuild and protect our natural heritage” while giving local communities more opportunities to connect with and learn about the nationally important landscape.