The Forest of Bowland lies between Lancaster and Clitheroe. The ‘forest’ is mainly an extensive area of moorland and steep sided valleys.
The village of Dunsop Bridge SD660502 is a good centre with car park, toilets and shop. There is a bus service from Clitheroe. By car take take the B6478 from Clitheroe via Waddington to Newton (7 miles); turn left on the unclassified road for a further 2.1 miles down the Hodder Valley to Dunsop Bridge.
If you want to see the best you will have to walk! There is no open access to the fells, which is to the great benefit of the wildlife. However, there are a number of footpaths which will take you into quite rugged country. They are mainly in the area owned by United Utilities. Recommended is the track from Dunsop Bridge running up the Dunsop Valley to Brennand and Whitendale and from the Trough of Bowland road, paths to Hareden and Langden. To avoid disturbance please keep to the paths.
Bowland is well known for its raptors; Hen Harrier, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Kestrel, Merlin and Peregrine all breed, Osprey is an annual passage migrant and Rough-legged Buzzard has wintered. Ravens also breed. For obvious reasons no specific sites are given. Keep a good look-out, but don’t expect a bird of prey round every corner. Spring, when the birds are displaying, is the best time to visit.
There is still a healthy population of Red Grouse. Other breeding birds include Cuckoo, Whinchat, Stonechat, Ring Ouzel and Short-eared Owl as well as more common species such as Canada Geese and Meadow Pipit.