Railway promotes Forest of Bowland as tourist spot

An area of outstanding natural beauty is being promoted on a series of new railway information boards.
County Councillor Albert Atkinson and Karen Booth at the unveilingCounty Councillor Albert Atkinson and Karen Booth at the unveiling
County Councillor Albert Atkinson and Karen Booth at the unveiling

The boards, which promote the Forest of Bowland, are incluided on the Bentham Line, which links Leeds to Lancaster and Morecambe.

Council officials behind the scheme hope it will continue to increase tourism to the area, which has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty for more than 50 years.

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Gerald Townson, chairman of the Bentham Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP), said: “The Bentham Line, which links Leeds in the east to Lancaster and Morecambe in the west skirts the northern edge of the marvellous Forest of Bowland.

One of the signs which will promote the Forest of BowlandOne of the signs which will promote the Forest of Bowland
One of the signs which will promote the Forest of Bowland

“The train makes it easy for people to visit and help keep their journey environmentally friendly.

“These areas of unspoiled natural beauty need to be maintained that way for future generations, and using the train helps to achieve that.

“They offer a wealth of opportunities for everyone to enjoy them and help look after them. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are dynamic, living landscapes that underpin the economy and the health and wellbeing of society.”

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Lancashire County Councillor Albert Atkinson and Karen Booth, community and sustainability director for Northern Railways jointly unveiled one of the large information signs at Clapham.

Chairman of the CRP, Gerald TownsonChairman of the CRP, Gerald Townson
Chairman of the CRP, Gerald Townson

As well as a map and photographs these show suggested walks, cycling opportunities and local businesses which provide places to visit, eat or stay.

Hetty Byrne, Forest of Bowland AONB sustainable tourism officer, said: “We need to champion the Forest of Bowland and help keep it a beautiful place. This is one of the most beautiful and cherished landscapes in Britain. It needs to be cared for, now and in the future. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are vibrant landscapes. They offer a wealth of opportunities for everyone to enjoy them.”