Woodland Adventures

Forest of Bowland AONB

WOODLAND ADVENTURES

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Beacon Fell Country Park

There are approximately 30 species of trees that are considered native to Lancashire. While that may seem like a daunting list, just getting to know a few common species can make a day out a more interesting experience.

Native trees are important because they have, over many thousands of years, adapted to our climate and thrive without much interference. Birds and bugs adapt along with these trees and use them for food, shelter, territory and defence. Other plants, such as bluebells, also rely on native woods for the right soil and light conditions.

We’ve lost a lot of our woodland in the UK, but Lancashire is very lucky to have an abundance of green patches. Why not find your own little woodland oasis.

No matter the time of year, heading to a Lancashire woodland will be a rewarding experience. You can learn the various species, see how wildlife utilises each part of the different trees and make learning fun with a few games too. Or just take a few minutes to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and feel of our very special native woods.

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Forest of Bowland AONB

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LANCASTER

FOREST OF BOWLAND AONB

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1. Beacon Country Park, Goosnargh With over 300 acres of countryside, it’s a great destination for some tree spotting.

2. Cuerden Valley Park, Preston Woodland, parkland, lake and 10 miles of trails.

3. Lytham Hall, Lytham Georgian house surrounded by 78 acres of wooded parkland

4. Longton Brickcroft, Preston Wetland Nature Reserve covering over 27 acres

5. Rivington Country Park, Chorley Several trails take you through the woods and along the reservoirs for stunning views.

6. Spring Wood, Clitheroe A favourite bluebell destination in the spring.

7. Stanley Park, Blackpool A woodland oasis stretching across 390 acres and just two miles from the bustling sea front.

8. Sunnyhurst Wood, Darwen With 7 miles of footpaths, there are plenty of trees to get to know.

9. Towneley Park, Burnley Parkland with nature trails, children’s play area, woodland and riverside walks.

10. Warton Crag, near Silverdale Look for the Lancashire Whitebeam in this area as well as many rare butterflies.

11. Witton Country Park, Blackburn 480 acres of beautiful mixed woodland with plenty to do for all the family.

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The Oak

We’ll start with one of our most common (the clue is in the name): Common Oak, sometimes called English Oak or Pedunculate Oak

OAK FACTS:

• Up to 40 metres tall, making them fantastic shade trees especially when in open areas

• Leaves are irregular with four or five ‘lobs’ on each side and rounded flaps at the bottom

• Come September, a healthy oak will be covered in acorns – a favourite food for squirrels and jays to store for the winter

• Look for grey, crisscrossed bark on older trees

• Winter twigs will be brownish with red/brown buds bunched at the end

White Willow

Along streams, white willow is an attractive tree to seek out... WHITE WILLOW FACTS:

• Not as tall as oak, growing up to 25 metres

• The bark is grey-brown and has deep ridges in older trees

• Loved by bees for early spring pollen and nectar

• Look for the silvery underside of the leaves that gives this willow its name

Lancashire Whitebeam

Much harder to find but very special because it has Lancashire in the name. WHITEBEAM FACTS:

• You can find whitebeam throughout the country, and they look quite similar to the Lancashire variety

• Lancashire whitebeam are some of our smallest trees, not often reaching more than 15 metres

• The rounded leaves have jagged edges that are covered in fine, white ‘hairs’ giving them a silvery look if you turn them over

• The twigs look brick red in the sun, but more grey-green in the shade.

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