As we reflect on the summer we have had, both in the UK and Europe, with droughts, flooding, intense heat, and wildfires it does seem that the future has slipped – or rather crashed – into our present lives. And you might now be asking yourself more questions about how you and your families can enjoy your time off whilst also considering your impact on the planet. Whilst the summer holidays are drawing to a close, we’ve put together some perspectives on regenerative tourism, what we can do here in our beautiful region over the next couple of months and some top tips for more eco-friendly holidaying.
Regenerative Tourism
Around the world, there is a growing interest in what is called regenerative tourism. It is about contributing to the places we visit, to the communities we stay with, and about giving something back, rather than just taking, it’s about ‘treading lightly, and leaving no trace’.
We should, of course, follow the County Code, plan our activities out of doors, get to understand the countryside and the region’s responsible access rights but we can do so much more… and keeping #LeaveNoTrace in mind is a good motto.
When in nature, and vulnerable areas, we can ask nature – and she will give us great clues on how to behave – can we pick this flower or that berry, should we take this shortcut, or pass through this forest?
As we slow down, we start to discover the wonderful ecosystems that are all around us. Savour the smells, sights, and sounds, and start to notice how being in nature makes you feel. Spend time with a tree and marvel at the science going on – providing us with oxygen, soaking up our carbon, and how they communicate with each other in the air and through the mycelium underground. Did you know that a tablespoon of forearm soil contains more living organisms than there are people on earth? Wow…!
Out and About in Lancashire
There is a whole host of interesting and creative activities and nature-based opportunities available across the county through to the end of the summer holidays and into the autumn.
The Forest of Bowland Festival is underway, details of events are here:
https://www.forestofbowland.com/Festival-Bowland-Events
Eco Escapes are all about travelling light and treading carefully in the precious but fragile rural landscapes of Lancashire. They are about discovering the county’s wonderful natural environments and wildlife, whilst leaving the car at home and taking the time to explore new places by public transport, on foot or by bike: http://www.discoverbowland.uk/activities/ecoescapes/
Slow Ways is an initiative creating a national network of walking routes connecting all of Great Britain’s towns and cities as well as thousands of villages. Using existing paths, ways, trails and roads, people can use Slow Ways routes to walk or wheel between neighbouring settlements and combine them to create longer distance trips.
There are currently over 7,000 Slow Ways stretching for over 100,000km. Locally, eight walks start or Finish/Start at the Heritage Centre and go to/from Slaidburn, Fulwood, Garstang, Clitheroe, Blackburn, or Whalley. Explore our wonderful local area on these Slow Ways, enjoy a meal or a drink and catch the bus back.
Cycling – We have a number of world-class cycle routes in our region, from short and easy to something a little more testing, that are the envy of many. Cyclists travel from Manchester and beyond to enjoy our roads and scenery, especially through the Trough of Bowland. To get out and enjoy our doorstep miles, take a look at the Komoot or Strava apps for great routes. You can also hire an electric bike e.g. in Clitheroe or Dunsop Bridge.
Other Walks and Activities In and Around Longridge
Climb Longridge Fell, Beacon Fell, Fairsnape, Pendle from Barley or Nick o Pendle… find the trig points and savour the views.
Seek out the slate poems that are placed around Longridge. Many are one or two lines from a poem or story – check out the whole piece when you get home.
Walk in the footsteps of Tolkein, Picnic and paddle at Dinkley – play poo sticks from Dinkley Bridge – reach from Hurst Green down Lambing Clough Lane (beside Shireburn Arms) or from the car park at Marls Wood and walk along the river path:
https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/lancashire-walk-dinkley-near-ribchester-7053874
Visit Beacon Fell, build a den, or play hide and seek in the woods: https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/country-parks-and-nature-reserves/beacon-fell-country-park/
Find Fossils in Clitheroe – https://ukafh.com/2018/09/08/ukafh-visit-to-salthill-quarry-clitheroe-1st-september-2018/
Find out what the Romans were doing in Ribchester – visit the Museum and see the remains.
Visit Brockholes (car parking charge) and take the nature trails. Find out how the floating visitor centre is based on Marsh Arab village design: https://www.brockholes.org/
Visit Grimsargh Wetlands with your binoculars and see what you can find:
https://www.grimsarghwetlands.org/
Our Top Tips for Holidaying with a Conscious
1 Download and use the Go Jauntly app to find local walks, connect with and notice nature
2. Use the Refill app to refill your water bottle rather than buy plastic. Look out for the International Refill sign. Less plastic bottles = less CO2
3. Pack your reusable cup for coffee on the move for less waste and less plastic everywhere. Carry a reusable ‘spork’ all the time to avoid plastic cutlery
4. Use bar shampoo and soaps rather than plastic bottles – and they don’t have to be declared at security and good for the environment
5. Take note of the recycling rules on holiday, no reason to stop your good habit whilst away
6. Respect the natural environment and other communities everywhere. Leave no trace and try to give something back, “leave a place better than you found it.”
7. “Take only what you need and use everything you take” is a good motto to follow for food, luggage, flowers, foraging …
8. If you carried your picnic in a supermarket bag – take the empties back in the same bag and recycle them at home. You may hurt wildlife with your litter if you leave it behind.
9. Support local shops and cafes – especially those that are nature-positive, organic, free trade, local, or plastic free.
10. Take coloured pencils and paper for you and your children to draw what they see on holiday. You see and remember more about nature if you draw it rather than taking a photo. Everyone can draw. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece.
11. Take less – travel light and reduce packing and travel stress.
12. Offer warm showers and a bed or place to camp to cyclists on long distant trails https://www.warmshowers.org
13. Opt for more staycation and mostly free places to go in our beautiful countryside
14. But above all enjoy your time, and do think of giving something back wherever you holiday.
If you have any further eco-friendly holiday tips, please do share them with us via our Facebook and Twitter pages. And wherever you are going on your holidays – we hope you have a fantastic time!
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Longridge Environment Group 