Butterflies, Bees and Bridges feature in The Festival Bowland Calendar For May

May is traditionally the month when activity in the wildlife world is going at full pace – and if heritage and art appeal too, the Festival Bowland programme this month has lots to offer.

The Lancashire branch of Butterfly Conservation will be leading a walk along the Langden Valley in the heart of Bowland on Wednesday 4^th May, when they'll be on the search for the beautiful green hairstreak butterfly and the amazing day flying emperor moth.

Garstang Walking Festival runs until the 8^th May and is packed with walks for all ages and abilities. It's a great way to explore the countryside around Wyre – including lots of opportunities in the Forest of Bowland.

Nordic walkers can practise their skills in the lovely surroundings of the Lune Millennium Park near Lancaster on Sunday 8^th; and for those who enjoy a little history, chartered civil engineer, Chris Hudson, will be exploring the medieval bridges of the Ribble Valley online on the evening of the 10^th May.

Bumblebees will be making an appearance both virtually and actually – fingers crossed – as the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the Forest of Bowland AONB combine to offer an online beginners' session over lunchtime on the 18^th, followed by an optional "spotter" walk at Gisburn Forest early in June.

The programme is back with Butterfly Conservation again on the evening of the 26^th May, this time online. Great for anyone unable to make it along to the walk earlier in the month.

And for those of a creative nature, the annual Maiden Bridge Gallery exhibition starts its summer run on 28^th May. Open Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, the Tatham-based exhibition closes on Sunday 10^th July.

Full details of all Festival Bowland events, including booking information, can be found on the Forest of Bowland AONB website at https://www.forestofbowland.com/Festival-Bowland-Events