Rail-linked food and arts experiences in the Forest of Bowland
Community Rail Lancashire and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape are pleased to announce that they have been successful in obtaining a grant form the Community Rail Development Fund for a new project.
Working in partnership with the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, local bus operators and the established Eco Escapes initiative, Community Rail Lancashire aims to promote low-carbon travel options and immersive, place-based visitor experiences.
The focus is on strengthening connections between rail gateways, bus routes and active travel networks into Bowland, enabling visitors to explore the area without reliance on private cars. The project will develop two new curated Eco Escapes itineraries, providing practical visitor journey ideas linked to rail, bus, walking and cycling routes, alongside a mapped Local Produce, Arts and Crafts Trail.
Northern unit 156406 arrives into Clitheroe, a gateway for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape – photo © Simon Clarke
Local food producers, farmers, artists, craftspeople and other businesses will benefit from increased visibility through the Local Produce, Arts and Crafts Trail, the new Eco Escapes itineraries and associated communications. Sustainable Tourism Network businesses will also be promoted through the Discover Bowland App. The project will encourage visitor spend within local supply chains and showcase Bowland’s local produce, arts, crafts, traditions and heritage.
The project will support a regenerative tourism model that delivers environmental, social and economic benefits to local communities. It will improve accessibility and inclusivity, develop authentic visitor experiences rooted in Bowland’s unique sense of place, and strengthen local pride, cultural heritage and distinctiveness.
Visitors to the Forest of Bowland, particularly those wishing to explore the area without reliance on a private car, will benefit from clearer information about journeys combining rail, bus, walking and cycling. The two new Eco Escapes itineraries and mapped Local Produce, Arts and Crafts Trail will make it easier for a wider audience to reach and experience the National Landscape using low-carbon travel options.
Local communities will benefit from a regenerative tourism approach intended to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits, while strengthening local pride, cultural heritage and Bowland’s distinctiveness
Hetty Byrne, Sustainable Tourism Officer for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Community Rail Lancashire on this exciting initiative, which will help more people discover the Forest of Bowland by rail, bus, walking and cycling. By linking public transport with local food, arts and outdoor experiences, we are creating new ways for visitors to explore the area without relying on the car. This initiative supports our vision for regenerative tourism, helping local businesses thrive while ensuring visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of our landscapes, heritage and communities.”
Mike Cliffe, Chair of the Clitheroe Line Community Rail Partnership said “it’s great news regarding the funding for this joint project. I look forward to seeing a wider visitor audience engage with the Forest of Bowland, with the railway, local buses, walking and cycling playing their part in bringing together destinations and experiences.”
This project has received funding from the Community Rail Development Fund a source of funding manged by the Community Rail Network on behalf of the Department for Transport. Match funding is being provided by Community Rail Lancashire and in kind by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape.