Natural England - 33. Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill

33. Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill

The key characteristics of Bowland Fringe and Pendle Hill are:

  • Undulating rolling landscape with local variation created by both the numerous river valleys and outlying upland features of Beacon Fell, Longridge Fell and Pendle Hill. 

  • Strong outcrops of 'reef knolls' and limestone form distinct landscape features to the Ribble and Hodder Valleys. 

  • Meandering, commonly tree-fringed rivers with oxbow lakes form prominent features within the predominantly pastoral landscape. 

  • Predominantly Grade 3 agricultural land supporting permanent pasture, mostly improved, for dairy and livestock farming. 

  • Intensively managed landscape, with lush hay meadows in small- to medium-scale fields defined by well maintained hedgerows with mature hedgerow trees. Some rough grazing at higher elevations. 

  • Extensive semi-natural woodland, much of which is ancient, on both main valley bottoms, side valleys and ridges. 

  • Dense north - south communication corridor, comprising the M6, the railway line and the Lancaster Canal, defining the western boundary and providing a physical and psychological barrier. 

  • Numerous water courses and bodies including the rivers Ribble, Hodder, Calder, Wyre, a number of reservoirs, and field ponds north of Preston. 

  • Small villages, hamlets and scattered farmsteads mostly in local stone are well integrated into the landscape and connected by a network of winding hedge-lined country lanes. 

  • Bowland Fells provide a dramatic backdrop to the east and north with extensive views possible from high ground across the Lancashire and Amounderness Plain and across open valley bottoms.

For further details on this character area and for an introduction to the region, please see the PDF documents in the box at the top right hand side of this page.

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