MEMBERS of the Forest of Bowland community got together to mark the launch of a new visitor guide.

Discover Bowland 2018 was launched at Gisburn Forest at an event attended by businesses, event organisers and community members.

And, as part of the launch event, they got the opportunity to try out Champion Bowland’s four-wheel drive, electric Tramper vehicle.

The guide contains information and ideas for exploring the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - one of 46 in the country.

It includes walking routes and wildlife features to traditional countryside skills, archaeology and local food.

Hetty Byrne, the AONB’s sustainable tourism officer, said new for this year were two Bowland itineraries.

“The first in a series of five planned over the next 18 months, the itineraries provide inspiration for short breaks in the area, highlighting suggestions on what to do and where to eat and stay. And thanks to local businesses – all part of Bowland’s Sustainable Tourism Network – there are offers and discounts a-plenty,” she said.

The guide also includes this year’s Festival Bowland programme, which lists a host of events between February and October. From springtime moorland walks to Morris dancing and from stone carving to spooky night-time storytelling, the Festival Bowland programme is a great opportunity to explore this beautiful part of Lancashire and North Yorkshire.

Angela Beech and Michelle O’Toole, managers of the Hub Café in Gisburn Forest said, “We were delighted to host the launch of this year’s Discover Bowland guide and to tell people about our activities and plans for the future. It was also a great opportunity for people to try out Champion Bowland’s off-road Tramper buggy, which visitors can use on a special trail here. It’s a great way for those with limited mobility to enjoy the forest with their families.”

The new guide is available from Tourist Information Centres and a range of businesses in the Forest of Bowland, or by visiting the website: forestofbowland.com

The Tramper at Gisburn Forest can be booked in advance by contacting the Hub café on 01200 446387 or by emailing gisburncafe@outlook.com.

Discover Bowland 2018 launch 001.jpg shows guests celebrating the guide launch at Gisburn Forest Hub Café (© Mark Sutcliffe)

Champion Bowland Tramper 001.jpg shows Angela Beech and Michelle O’Toole of Gisburn Forest Hub Café trying out the Champion Bowland Tramper vehicle (© Mark Sutcliffe)

• The Forest of Bowland was designated as an AONB in 1964. The AONB legislation (National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000) was designed to protect areas of unspoiled natural beauty for future generations.

• The Forest of Bowland AONB was the first Protected Area in England to obtain the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in September 2005.

• 13% of the AONB is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its extensive habitats of wet and dry heathland, particularly heather moor and blanket bog.

• A major part of the AONB’s fells is designated as a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive.

• The Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) - informally the Forest of Bowland Partnership - guides the management of the AONB. Lancashire County Council acts as the lead authority alongside County, District, Parish, land owning and farming community, environmental and recreational partners.