National Character Area 34 - Bowland Fells : Key Characteristics

The large-scale, sweeping landform of the Bowland Fells is incised by narrow, wooded, intimate valleys and cloughs. Steeply sloping sculptural escarpments and exposed moorland tops contrast with the surrounding lush green valleys of the Lune, Ribble, Hodder and Wyre.

The dominant feature is the central upland core of Carboniferous Millstone Grit fells, with its large areas of moorland habitat – including some of England’s most extensive tracts of blanket bog.

Extensive coniferous plantations, such as Gisburn Forest, occur to the south-east and east of the area.

The moorland is ringed by extensive rough grazing enclosures with mosaics of woodland, unimproved meadows, pasture, marshes and streams. These upland pastures are enclosed by drystone walls and are grazed mainly by sheep, with some cattle.

Rare and endangered species are associated with the mosaic of habitats. The fells support a diverse upland breeding bird community of international importance, which includes three protected species of raptor – hen harrier, merlin and peregrine – and a large colony of lesser black-backed gulls. The mosaic of habitats also supports the red-listed ring ouzel and amber-listed whinchat. Similarly, fields of wet flushed grassland around the moorland fringe are important for breeding wader populations, including redshank, lapwing, snipe and curlew.

The area is also home to a number of rare or important plant species, including the nationally scarce bog rosemary and pale forget-me-not, with high-quality species-rich grasslands found in the limestone areas to the east.

The area’s many rivers and streams provide habitat for nationally and internationally important species such as salmon, trout, eels, bullheads, grayling, otters, kingfishers and dippers.

Piecemeal, irregular-shaped fields around individual farms are found on the slopes, where there is also a complex system of narrow lanes with occasional wide historic drove roads. Systematic division of the majority of the commons resulted in more regular enclosures on higher ground.

The area is sparsely populated, with the scattered settlements restricted to villages, hamlets and isolated farmhouses.

Traditional farmhouses are generally of gritstone and typically shelter a barn under the same roof line (laithe houses). There is strong unity of building materials, styles and village form.

Large areas of the Bowland Fells are managed for field sports, principally red grouse shooting on the heather moors and pheasant rearing in plantations below the Fells. Fishing is also very popular.

Large areas of open access land enable access to and enjoyment of, the many natural and cultural features of the landscape, and thus improve opportunities to experience escapism and inspiration.