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The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
Minsmere RSPB Reserve, general view of Boomacre Mere Hummingbird hawkmoth Tree sparrow perched on branch in woodland
Forest of Bowland

Forest of Bowland

  • Working with farmers
  • Birds
  • Birds of Bowland Project

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Home > Our work > Conservation > Projects > Forest of Bowland

Forest of Bowland

Bowland view
The Forest of Bowland is a beautiful area, rich in wildlife

The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is nationally important for many special upland birds, including hen harriers and curlews - birds that are in serious decline in other parts of the UK.

The 800 square kilometres of the AONB stretches from Hornby and Bentham on the banks of the River Lune in the north, to the northern edge of the Ribble Valley in the south (including Pendle Hill), and from the M6 in the west to Gisburn Forest in the east.

The RSPB has had a presence in the AONB since 1981, working closely with major landowners United Utilities, initially to monitor and attempt to stabilise Bowland's breeding hen harrier population.

Since then our involvement has grown and the RSPB is now a partner in the Birds of Bowland Project, engaging the local community from school children to farmers in celebration of the area's outstanding birdlife.

Last modified: 21 April 2008

Birds

The Forest of Bowland is home to many important populations of upland birds, from dashing peregrines and merlins to graceful hen harriers and cheeky stonechats. More...

Wheatear in spring

Working with farmers

Gavin Thomas is the RSPB's Bowland Wader Project officer. His work is a key element of the Birds of Bowland Project and is supported by a number of partners. More...

Volunteer & Farmer Alliance: Brian Matthews (farmer) & David McReedy (volunteer)

Birds of Bowland Project

The Birds of Bowland Project is run by the RSPB in partnership with United Utilities. It is supported by a number of organisations including Natural England, Ribble Valley Borough Council, Lancashire Rural Futures and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). More...

Merlin sitting in grass

What can I do?

Find out more about birds of prey, where you can see them and how you can help to stop the persecution they still face.

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Back to basics

  • Uplands

Bird guide

  • Curlew
  • Hen harrier
  • Lapwing
  • Merlin
  • Peregrine
  • Redshank
  • Reed bunting
  • Ring ouzel
  • Snipe
  • Stone-curlew
  • Wheatear
  • Whinchat

Downloads

Birds of Bowland 2007 (322Kb)
News from the Birds of Bowland scheme.
Birds of Bowland 2006 (259Kb)
News from the Birds of Bowland scheme.

Related websites

  • Bowland Festival
  • Forest of Bowland
  • Lancashire Rural Futures
  • United Utilities: Sustainable Catchment Management Programme (SCaMP)

About the RSPB

The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way. More...

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Latest news

Chance to quiz MPs on energy issues

Bristol and Somerset residents are being offered the chance to quiz South West MPs on energy issues and climate change at an event being hosted by the RSPB and Oxfam.

Time to act tough on climate change

The Government can become the world’s climate change leader if it accepts the recommendation to cut emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

England's birds receive a major funding boost

The fortunes of birds relying on farmland in England, such as turtle dove, grey partridge and corn bunting, have been given a major boost today.

More news...

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© 2008 The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Charity registered in England and Wales no 207076, in Scotland no SC037654
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Last published: 24/04/2008 12:13:59
Show/hide picture credits
Bowland view - Charlie Hedley, Countryside Agency
Wheatear in spring - Steve Round
Volunteer & Farmer Alliance: Brian Matthews (farmer) and David McReedy (volunteer) - Andy Hay (rspb-images.com, Ref: 2003_4128_009)
Merlin sitting in grass - Nigel Blake
Minsmere RSPB Reserve, general view of Boomacre Mere - David Tipling (rspb-images.com)
Hummingbird hawkmoth - Steve Round
Tree sparrow perched on branch in woodland - Sue Tranter (rspb-images.com, Ref: 1018091)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)