Excerpts From The Village Of Newton Information Board

River Hodder Riverbank Restoration

The River Hodder is a vital river corridor for a large number of species but of particular importance is the wild North Atlantic salmon and sea trout. These increasingly rare species are migratory fish which return from the Atlantic to the same river they originated from to spawn. Due to a number of pressures both at sei.and in rivers, numbers of returning fish have dwindled dramatically. In an attempt to resolve the problems facing returning stocks, vital improvement works are being undertaken throughout the whole river system. One part of these improvements is to stabilise eroding river banks. Livestock trampling the banks and grazing pressure on bankside vegetation creates instability and erosion. By excluding livestock and replanting with willow and alder, the spawning beds can return to their natural state. These river corridor improvements are also providing new habitat for other species, such as the otter and kingfisher. All these species are key indicators of a healthy and pollution-free river system.

Great Dunnow SD 70317 51010 NE from Newton
Great Dunnow Wood is an ancient replanted "woodland and is a much valued habitat in Lancashire as it is an irreplaceable example of the natural vegetation of most of Lancashire. Although this "wood has been greatly modified over time it retains some ancient features such as the ground flora that supports locally rare plants including Lily-of-the-Valley and Giant Bellflower.

Post-Medieval Track
During November 2000, an archaeological survey was undertaken by the Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, which discovered the remains of a cobbled track alongside the river. Although there is evidence of pre-Roman occupation around Newton, the evidence uncovered suggested that the track was probably laid in rhe 15th or 16th centuries.

The Bowland Initiative http://www.forestofbowland.co.uk
The Bowland Initiative would like to thank all the land owners who have kindly agreed to die creation of part of this circular route as concessionary access for the duration often years. Bowland Tourism & Environment Fund

As part of the Bowland Initiative project, district councils and local accommodation providers have come together to form the Forest of Bowland Farm Tourism Fund. Visitors staying in local guest houses, hotels and pubs can donate to the fund knowing that one hundred per cent of that donation will go towards preserving the landscape they have enjoyed.

Any individual or local group can apply for financial assistance towards local conservation and public access schemes. For more details contact Ribble Borough Council Tourism Department.