Book Early

New Years Day Walk (Thursday 1st January 2009)
Start: 10.30am - Finish: 12.30pm
Meeting Point: Pepper Hill Barn, Wycoller
Description: Why not start the New Year off with an invigorating walk up the Wycoller Valley to the viewpoint rocks. Refreshments will be served after the walk and donations would be welcome to cover the costs. This walk is Tramper friendly so if you could like to book a Tramper as well please telephone 01772 534709.
Tramper Users please BOOK
Toilets: yes

BOOK BY CLICKING HERE

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Lancashire Countryside Service Customer Satisfaction Survey

How are we doing?

If you have contacted us and/or accessed any of our services, we want to hear about your experience.

We greatly value your feedback and whilst it is always nice to know we have done a good job, we also want to know about any areas that you feel we could improve upon, so we would appreciate it if you could complete this short survey. Many thanks.

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Countryside Service Ranger Blog

Welcome to the Countryside Service Ranger Blog, which will give you an insight into the diverse activities of the Ranger Service. The blog is the place to go for all up to the minute details on the work of the Rangers, Countryside Events, News and Information, as well as an opportunity to get to know the personalities who make up our team in an informal and light hearted way. We welcome feedback, input and discussions from all who visit the blog – so come, take a look and talk to us.

Countryside Service Ranger Blog

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DOWNHAM WALK AND LISTEN

A new audio version of this walk around Downham is now available.

The 4 mile long walk starts from the Car Park in the village and explores the nearby countryside following Downham Beck, past Twiston Mill and returning along the route of an old Roman Road.

If you download the mp3 audio file and then put it on your mp3 player you can follow the directions and listen to additional information about the area while you walk.

The walk is also well waymarked but we would always advise you to take a map with you.

This is the first time that the Countryside Service have presented a walk in this way so we would be delighted with any feedback.

Downham is one of the loveliest villages in Lancashire, quiet and unspoiled, with a gurgling brook running past the village green and stone-built cottages. Successive generations of the Assheton family have lived at Downham Hall since 1558; the present squire is Lord Clitheroe of Downham.
The village was used as a location for the famous film ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ and more recently the popular BBC drama ‘Born and Bred’ was filmed here. It also has associations with Old Mother Demdike and the infamous Lancashire witches.

Download MP3 (53 Mb) Download Map PDF 146 kb)

Downham Walks 2 (PDF 794 kb)

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PEOPLE AND HEN HARRIER MONITORING PROJECT – FOREST OF BOWLAND

(PDF format, size 2.9 Mb)

The Bowland fells are highly significant for nature conservation. The upland areas of heather moorland and blanket bog are rich in plant life and are internationally important for many threatened species of bird, including the hen harrier.
Until September 2004, public access to the Bowland Fells was limited to public rights of way and areas subject to access agreements and an access order (Wolf Fell) made under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
The introduction of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) in September 2004 created a right of public access, on foot, to large areas of the Bowland Fells.
It was recognised that monitoring the impact of access on hen harriers was vital. Since 2005, monitoring of visitors and hen harriers has been carried out by Countryside Rangers and electronic counters.
This report analyses the data gathered and covering the period 2005 to 2007.

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BOWLAND’S HEN HARRIERS ON CAMERA – Beacon Fell Country Park

Visit the Hen Harrier Blog here......

From Monday 19th May it will be possible to view as live footage of one of Britain’s rarest and most spectacular birds of prey on the nest. The pictures taken by a hidden camera are shown on the big screen at the Bowland Visitor Centre. Viewing starts on Monday 19thth May and will run until the young have left the nest around the end of June. The continuous footage of a Hen Harrier nest in the Bowland Fells can be viewed seven days a week.

It is unedited so anything can happen! …Or you may spend some time watching and very little appears to happen. Volunteers and staff from the Lancashire Countryside Service will be available to talk to visitors about what the birds are doing and the Hen Harrier project in Bowland. Viewing is possible 10.00 am to 4.00pm every day, the Bowland café is also open for drinks and light snacks.

The project partners are Lancashire County Council, RSPB, United Utilities, and Natural England

Places like the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and RSPB Geltsdale in the North Pennines are providing a vital safe haven for hen harriers.

Hen harriers were a common sight 200 years ago, not just in the uplands but across a range of lowland habitats too. However, as a result of persecution, the hen harrier became almost extinct in the UK as a breeding bird. The hen harrier is now legally protected, although persecution is still a major problem in some places. Here in the Forest of Bowland AONB, conservation organisations are working together with local landowners and gamekeepers to secure the future of hen harriers. The Forest of Bowland AONB is currently the most important site for breeding hen harriers in England. United Utilities plc owns and manages 29,000 acres of land within the AONB. The RSPB has had a presence in the AONB since 1981, working closely with major landowners United Utilities, to monitor and stabilise Bowland's breeding hen harrier population. Natural England's Hen Harrier Recovery Project has been running since 2001.

PIC By Stephen Murphy - Juvenile Hen Harriers.

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ATOM REPAIRED

The mirror ball has recently been replaced at the heart of the Atom. The stainless steel ball was repaired by Colne based firm Butler Sheet Metals and is now back in place looking better than ever. Many thanks to Matt and his team for their advice about how best to repair, re-polish and reinstate the ball.

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SPRING WOOD

The rhododendrons in Spring Wood are infected with Phytophthora ramorum (the cause of Sudden Oak Death). Rhododendrons confirmed with the disease have been marked with red/white tape and white paint and bear yellow labels. No known susceptible plants, parts of plants including foliage, flowers, waste from pruning, dead plant material or soil/used growing medium may be removed from the site without prior written authority.

Phytophthora ramorum is a serious fungus-like pathogen causing damage to trees and a range of native plants. The disease has reached epidemic proportions in California where it is causing widespread death of oak and tanoak trees and is commonly known as ‘sudden oak death’. It has also been found on a wide range of other trees and plants native to America. In the USA, the pathogen was originally considered a woodland disease but it has also been found damaging nursery plants in several US states and Canada.

The Lancashire Countryside Service is working closely with Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate to eradicate this threat to plant life and the surrounding environment. Over the next few days the infected Bushes will be lifted and burnt or treated with suitable herbicide. We urge all members of the public to stay clear of the infected area so that we can control the situation as quickly as possible.

Please keep to the paths obey all signage. DO NOT remove ANY plant material from the site, keep your dogs on a lead and clean footwear before visiting other site.

Together we can stop this disease from spreading, thank you

For further information please visit http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pramorum.htm*

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ATOM - STOP PRESS

As a result of vandalism the polished steel ball at the centre of the Atom has been broken. It has been taken away for repair and will be reinstated as soon as possible

Wycoller's Atom - the latest Vision walk.

The Countryside Ranger at Wycoller has devised this walk to give a variety of views of and from the Atom, Pendle's Panopticon. The 2.5 km (1.5mile) walk will take about an hour - or a little longer if you take time to linger, enjoy the scenery, or take refreshment at the Craft Centre Cafe. The walk starts from the Haworth Road Car Park where the Atom is perched on a grassy knoll overlooking the valley. A new leaflet describing the walk will soon be available or can be viewed from the link below.

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Vision Walk

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP

Countryside Officer Steve Edwards recommends this gentle stroll, which is suitable for most people. The walk is about 3.5 miles long, mainly level, with a few gentle climbs. There are plenty of opportunities to sit and rest and enjoy the scenery.

Starting from Hest Bank, following the Coast Path and the Lancaster Canal you can get views of Morecambe Bay towards the Lake District Fells, and even enjoy some refreshments in a variety of local food outlets.
OS Explorer Map OL296 Lancaster and Morecambe. Public transport - the A6 is well served by buses between Lancaster, Morecamb and Carnforth. For Information, tel 0871 2002233

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004

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Step Outside! - It's Free!

Exploring... Discovering... Learning... Enjoying... it's all waiting for you out there in the beautiful Lancashire countryside!

The Lancashire Countryside Service Events Programme 2008 is now available offering over 80 countryside based events including guided walks, open days and children’s activities.  Many of the children’s events are timed to coincide with the school holidays, offering something a little bit different to entertain the children at no cost.

There is something for everyone, gentle strolls, arts and crafts events and even an all day mountain biking challenge.  Our friendly enthusiastic staff will be at every event to help and guide you, so if you have never done anything like this before this is your chance. 

The majority of events are free and for many you just need to turn up at the appointed time and place.  Booking is required for some events where numbers are limited.

Many of the events are “Tramper Friendly”  - Trampers are all terrain electric buggies, available, free of charge, for people with limited mobility. Numbers are limited so it is essential to book in advance.  Full training will be given if you have not used one before!

For further information about any of these events please call 01772 534709 and we will send you a copy of the full programme or you can visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/countryside/events

• Step Oustide Leaflet (Outside) - 2.10Mb
• Step Outside Leaflet (Inside) - 1.63Mb

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TERRIFIC TRAIL OF THE TRAMPERS

Wycoller’s Bronte scenery has delighted walkers for years.
Now electric “tramper” vehicles allow disabled people to explore Wycoller Country Park.
The robust buggies can handle rough ground, mud and grass and will allow users to explore the ruins of Wycoller Hall and the surrounding farmland and moors. The newly prepared route gives views of Wycoller Valley, Boulsworth Hill and the 1000 year old Clam Bridge over Wycoller Beck.

Trampers are available free of charge for use by people with limited mobility.
Training is given for those who have not used the trampers before.

Numbers are limited so please ring 01772 534709 if you wish to book a session.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004

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Ribble Way Closure

Part of the Ribble Way in Preston - between the A59, near the Tickled Trout, and the A6, at the Shaws Arms will be closed for up to 12 months.

United Utilities are replacing the sewer in Mellings Wood and it is not possible to keep the path open while the work is in progress.

An alternative route for walkers, following footpaths on the south of the River Ribble, has been signposted and waymarked.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004

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SAY HALO TO SOME PENNINE EXERCISE

Walking is healthy and Fun

Countryside Officer Tony Lund kicks off a new series of walks to be highlighted in the County Council’s Vision newspaper.

September’s walk starts in the centre of Rawtenstall and is about 8km (5miles) long.
There are some stunning views on offer rewarding the effort required to climb to the top of Cribden Hill, where you will also be able to view the “ Halo” close up.

This map is based upon Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright.
Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Lancashire County Council 100023320 2004

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/corporate/vision/downloads/sept07web.pdf

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Connect 2 Burnley and Padiham

The Connect 2 Burnley and Padiham project aims to develop a network of new greenway routes linking Burnley with Padiham to make it more attractive to walk and cycle in the area.

The project is one of 79 included by Sustrans in their £50 million bid to the Living Landmarks Lottery, which will be ultimately decided by TV audience in December 2007.

The project links to other regeneration initiatives in the Burnley area including the Weavers' Triangle Regeneration, Elevate Housing Market Renewal and Building Schools for the Future. It should help improve the quality of life in the area, leading to more people walking,cycling and enjoying healthy lifestyles.

http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/remade/sites/connect2.asp

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Charter Mark Success.

Countryside Service holds the Charter Mark; the national standard for customer service excellence awarded by the Cabinet Office. The standard is awarded for a three year period, during which we will be reviewed annually and must show continuous improvement in the level of service. After the three year period we will have to undergo a full assessment in order to maintain the award.
To obtain the standard, the service had to undergo a two day assessment which included interviews with staff, partners and other organisations and authorities as well as site inspections where members of the public were consulted on how they view the service.
The assessment covered six units in which we had to score highly to achieve the award, and not only covered the Countryside Service, but also involved reviewing LCC procedures and policies in relation to providing a high level of customer service.
The six units against which we were assessed were:
1. Set standards and perform well
2. Actively engage with customers, partners and staff
3. Be fair and accessible to everyone and promote choice
4. Continuously develop and improve
5. Use resources effectively and imaginatively
6. Contribute to improving opportunities and quality of life in the communities we serve
We are committed to maintaining and continuously improving our service.

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West Pennine Moors Bridleway Strategy released

The West Pennine Moors Bridleway Strategy has now been released.  To download the strategy go to the West Pennine Moor page of the Bridleway section.

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Farm Based Walks

Details of walks, rides and areas of open access* provided under Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area Schemes.

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Tramper Trails

All terrain electric buggies

Available for use now at Beacon Fell Country Park. These outdoor activity buggies are designed specifically to cove rough ground, mud and grass safely. We have constructed three "tramper trails" around the Fell offering you the chance to enjoy a real countryside experience.

Lancashire Countryside Service is committed to improving access to the countryside for all. As part of this programme, two new Tramper buggies have been purchased for use at the country park. The new battery powered vehicles are available for members of the public to borrow and use on three low-mobility trails. Each of the new trails offer a unique experience and different views of the surrounding area.

Whether you use a wheel chair most of the time or just have problems getting around on hills and uneven ground. These buggies are available for use free of charge but it is essential that you book in advance.

For booking and further information contact us on 01772 534709.

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Walking the way to Health site

Visit the Walking the way to Health * site for more information on the benefits that regular walking can bring to you.

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Open Access Land

On the 19th September 2004 vast areas of Lancashire became open access for walkers. Please click on the link above for more details of your rights and responsibilities.

For more information on Open Access land visit the Countryside Access* site.

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Fancy a Short Walk?

You can now take a hike round some of Lancashire’s finest countryside without setting foot outside your house thanks to this website. The Pennine Moor Village of Edgworth is the first location to be featured. Click here to take a virtual tour around the Edgworth Village Heritage Trail.

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