Spring is a fantastic time of year in the Forest of Bowland and this month's Festival Bowland events programme has a great opportunity for countryside lovers who relish getting outside but who might not be as mobile as they once were.
On Tuesday 28th May the Forest of Bowland National Landscape will be running a series of Tramper taster sessions along the Birch Hills Trail at Gisburn Forest & Stocks near Slaidburn.
Trampers are specially designed, all-terrain, four-wheel drive electric buggies, which can be used on country tracks, mud and grass. Trampers can help people who have difficulty walking, or who may be disabled, to experience the countryside and to accompany friends and family on suitable routes.
The Birch Hills Trail is a stile-free, mile and a half woodland route which has several benches and picnic tables along the way, allowing plenty of opportunity to stop and take in the sights and sounds of the forest. In addition, the trail has been designed to be of special assistance to people living with dementia and is well waymarked with a "forget-me-not" symbol. A booklet highlighting wildlife and heritage interest along the walk is also available.
Early booking for the taster day on the 28th May is recommended as Tramper numbers are limited. The event is free but donations towards the upkeep of the Trampers are welcome on the day.
For more information, and to book a place, contact Sandra Silk at the Forest of Bowland National Landscape office on 01200 448000 or email sandra.silk@lancashire.gov.uk
For those who enjoy the experience and would like to re-visit the forest, a Tramper is available to book from Gisburn Forest Hub Café and can be used on the specially waymarked route between the Hub and the Birch Hills Trail. Festival Bowland also has a number of other guided Tramper treks available during the year and details are available at www.forestofbowland.co/Festival-Bowland-Events.