A male hen harrier was observed gliding over the moorland in the Forest of Bowland, an area known for its hen harrier population. According to Sonja Ludwig, an RSPB species and habitats officer for the Forest of Bowland, these birds are known to frequent the same locations each year. The males are easily identifiable by their plumage, white rump, and black wingtips.
Hen harriers are sometimes called "grey ghosts" or "ghosts of the moor." A second male was spotted, followed by a female, distinguished by her brown and white streaked plumage and owlish face.
The Forest of Bowland is a protected area where hen harriers, the most persecuted bird of prey in the UK, can find refuge, especially during their breeding season. The area requires some effort to reach, making it less accessible to casual visitors.
The Forest of Bowland is located north of densely populated east Lancashire, near Preston and Blackpool. While the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales attract millions of visitors annually, Bowland sees significantly fewer, despite its proximity to urban centers.
The Bowland Fells, shaped by ancient seas, glaciation, erosion, and weather, feature heather and blanket bog. The highest point, Ward's Stone, reaches 561 meters (1,841ft). Artist Rob St John's project, Are You Lost?, explores local perceptions of the landscape as "bleak," "scary," and "cold."
Access to the area is limited, with roads either passing through agricultural areas or dwindling into tracks. Parking is scarce, and bus services are infrequent, though the number 11 bus has improved connectivity between scenic spots and towns with railway stations.
In September 2004, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 granted public access to much of Bowland for open-air recreation on foot. However, access is restricted to paths, as many upland areas are boggy and challenging to traverse.
The limited access and visitor numbers benefit the area's nature. A large central section of the 775 sq km (300 sq miles) national landscape is a site of special scientific interest, protecting habitats and bird populations, including hen harriers and merlins, the UK's smallest bird of prey.
A male peregrine falcon was observed returning to a nesting area, showcasing its impressive speed and aerial skills.
Other bird species observed include meadow pipits, skylarks, curlews, a stonechat, a greylag goose, and ring ouzels. As spring progresses, pied flycatchers, redstarts, wood warblers, lapwings, and black grouse can be seen. Bowland also hosts a large colony of lesser black-backed gulls.
Parts of Bowland are used for driven grouse shooting between August and December, a practice that often faces opposition from conservationists due to the illegal killing of raptors. In late 2024, a female hen harrier disappeared under suspicious circumstances, despite being fitted with a satellite tag. Grouse shooting has shaped the landscape of Bowland, with management practices focused on rearing red grouse.
JMW Turner's sketches from 1816 depict bare-topped fells and few trees, predating modern moorland management. Historically, upland trees were felled for agriculture, and the Normans did not prioritize tree cover when creating hunting grounds.
The Forest of Bowland offers a sense of wildness in a managed landscape, providing an opportunity to support the region's vulnerable raptor populations.
A male hen harrier was observed performing a sky dance, a display of aerial acrobatics intended to impress a female and ward off rivals.
Walking and cycling routes are available here. The Eco Escapes guide provides suggestions for car-free visits, and the Discover Bowland guide features all-terrain wheelchair walks.
