A PUBLIC meeting tomorrow will discuss the future of countryside around the Forest of Bowland.

The remote corner of Lancashire is regarded by many as among the most scenic countryside in England.

And Lancashire County Council has recently won concessions to open up part of the area to nature lovers.

The moves follow a long running campaign organised by the Ramblers Association to improve public access to privately owned land. The meeting is at 2pm at Scarthwaite Hotel, Caton, near Lancaster. North West Water, a major landlord, will be there, along with the Ramblers Association, the RSPB and the Environment Agency.

The public can hear about the work being done to preserve the area and its wildlife.

Conservation projects and the work of the countryside ranger service will also be discussed.

A joint advisory committee has been organised to look after the Forest of Bowland, which has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Councils involved in the project include the Ribble Valley and Pendle, as well as the Lancashire Association of Parish and Town Councils.

The advisory committee recently were given a grant from Europe to pay for a management plan for the Forest of Bowland.

There are now moves to get farmers, landowners, youth groups and council working together on the scheme.

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