The Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Joint Advisory Committee met on Thursday, 18th April 2024, to discuss a range of environmental, budgetary, and strategic matters. Key decisions included the approval of the Revenue Budget for 2024/25 and the appointment of members to the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) Local Assessment Panel.

National Landscape Partnership Budget FY2024/25

The committee approved the proposed Revenue Budget for 2024/25, which includes a modest increase in contributions from local authorities and other partners to address inflationary pressures. The budget of £443,691 is funded by seven constituent local authorities, grant income from Defra, and contributions from United Utilities. The budget will support the core team responsible for delivering the statutory AONB Management Plan. The committee noted the revised estimates for 2023/24 and approved the 2024/25 budget, with a request for funding authorities to make appropriate provisions.

Peatland Restoration Project

A verbal presentation was given on the Peatland Restoration Project, primarily funded by the Peatland Restoration Grant Scheme from Defra and managed by Natural England. The discovery phase, which ran from January 2022 to August 2023, surveyed approximately 15,000 hectares of the Bowland Fell Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), resulting in 22 restoration plans and 11 historic environment assessments. Two restoration grants have been undertaken, with an estimated saving of 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over 50 years. Approximately £4 million has been spent on peatland restoration, with £900,000 cash-matched by partners. Funding has also been secured for three permanent staff members for a Lancashire Peat Partnership.

National Landscape Team Activity Report (Oct 2023 - April 2024)

The committee received an update on the activities of the National Landscape Team between October 2023 and April 2024. This report covered a wide range of initiatives, including the Nature Recovery Plan, the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, the Forest of Bowland Farmer Group, and various landscape enhancement and sustainable tourism projects.

Key highlights from the report included:

• Nature Recovery Plan: The team is developing a roadmap to restore landscapes, improve habitats, and mitigate climate change impacts, contributing to county-wide strategies in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.
• Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme: This programme, running until March 2025, has received significant interest from farmers and landowners, with numerous projects underway focusing on nature, climate, people, and place.
• Forest of Bowland Farmer Group: This group continues to provide information and support to farmers on various topics, including regenerative agriculture and nature-friendly farming.
• Eco Escapes: A new leaflet and interactive map have been developed to promote sustainable tourism itineraries within the Forest of Bowland.
• Festival Bowland: The annual programme of events, including the Dark Skies Festival and Garstang Walking Festival, continues to engage the public with the natural and cultural heritage of the area.
• Access for All: Initiatives to improve accessibility in the countryside are ongoing, with the provision of all-terrain wheelchairs and improvements to trails.

The committee requested that the Lancashire Nature Recovery Strategy be included as a standing item for future meetings.

Three Counties: One River, Stage 1 Bid to National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF)

A report was provided on a Stage 1 bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) for the Lune Valley part of Bowland. Although the initial bid was unsuccessful, feedback has been received, and the team is encouraged to re-apply. The NLHF has updated its strategy and funding criteria, and the bid will be revisited with a focus on strengthening partnerships and community consultation. The team is also exploring a new funding stream for landscapes.

Partner Updates

Several partners provided updates on their activities:

• Wyre Borough Council: Reported on volunteer contributions to the Forest of Bowland management plan, ongoing engagement activities, access and habitat management, and work on Biodiversity Net Gain and the Climate Change Strategy.
• Ribble Valley Borough Council: Provided updates on Biodiversity Net Gain, a new Changing Places project, and ongoing issues with United Utilities regarding waste removal from Stocks Reservoir.
• Preston City Council: Raised concerns about fly-tipping in woodlands and suggested a campaign to address the issue.
• Ramblers Association: Commented on the potential impact of wet weather on budgets and work programmes.
• RSPB: Provided updates on curlew chick radio-tagging, support for breeding farmland waders, gull workshops, and bird of prey monitoring.
• Environment Agency: Reported on successful applications for natural flood risk management funding and the Species Survival Fund, as well as ongoing work with United Utilities to reduce phosphate inputs.
• Friends of Bowland: Gave a recap of their activities, including practical conservation tasks for various organisations and landowners.
• Champion Bowland: Is piloting an environmental newsletter to be circulated to their database.
• Lancashire County Council: Raised concerns about broadband coverage and sought individuals willing to be interviewed by BBC Radio 4.

The committee noted all partner updates.