AS spring edges nearer, make plans to step into neighbouring Bowland for an arts festival, wildlife forays, forest bathing and more.

This year's Festival Bowland events programme offers lots of opportunities to explore this lovely area.

The well-established Garstang Walking Festival will be back between May 5 and 14 this year and you can get a taster of what's to come thanks to an online introduction on the evening of March 22.

History hounds can enjoy a series of three walks focusing on famous Bowland visitors. So, if you want to find out more about Wainwright, Cromwell or Gandhi – and explore some beautiful places at the same time – sign up with All Routes North for their sessions in March, April and May.

Pop into the village institute in Hornby over the weekend of April 15 and 16 to enjoy a display of ceramics, art, silk paintings and carving from the Lune Valley and beyond. You'll be able to chat to the makers – and perhaps even treat yourself.

Wildlife enthusiasts can discover the underwater world of invertebrates and fish with the Wyre Rivers Trust's monitoring morning in Scorton on 13th April; explore the weird and wonderful world of earthworms online on April 27 and seek out waders (and fingers crossed some chicks) in Claughton-on-Brock with the RSPB on April 28.

The RSPB also has three guided moorland safaris from Slaidburn starting on April 21 and repeated on May 1 and 29.

Step back, take a breath and reconnect with your surroundings in Gisburn Forest on a forest bathing evening with Rewilding Outdoor Therapy on April 28 or book a Tramper to explore lovely Grizedale with Wyre Coast & Countryside Service on April 29.

If you want to get out and about but don't want to walk too far, there are regular short walks from Garstang on most Mondays, which don't need booking in advance – so you can make your mind up on the day.

For the keen walker, the Pendle Peat and Pie Challenge on May 25 offers a great (if muscle-testing) opportunity to find out more about one of Bowland's key habitats – peatlands; or why not become a BeeWalker and learn how to monitor bumblebees during the summer? All will be explained in a morning session at Gisburn Forest on May 26.

Full details of all Festival Bowland events, including booking information, can be found on the Forest of Bowland AONB website at https://www.forestofbowland.com/Festival-Bowland-Events