The Forest of Bowland lies between Lancaster and Clitheroe. The ‘forest’ is mainly an extensive area of moorland and steep sided valleys.
Access
The village of Dunsop Bridge SD660502 is a good centre with car park, toilets and shop. 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.
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. Although much of the area is now open access, to avoid disturbance you are strongly advised to keep to the paths; this applies particularly in the breeding season.
† Many of the best walks are described in Birdwatching Walks in Bowland by David Hindle and John Wilson. The book does include sketch maps but you would be well advised to carry with you OS Outdoor Leisure Map No.41 ‘Forest of Bowland and Ribblesdale’, plus a compass or GPS.
Birds
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 birds of prey round every corner. Spring, when the birds are displaying, is the best time to visit.
There is 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 Goose and Meadow Pipit.