TOURISM in the Ribble Valley is set to get an early summer boost with thousands of visitors flocking to the Forest of Bowland for a special birthday.

The Bowland Festival is being held to mark the 40th anniversary of the area being given 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' status which, among other things, safeguarded the countryside's future from development.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend events spread across a week, many of who are booking in to stay at local hotels, campsites and other tourist accommodation.

The festival aims to celebrate the birds, wildlife, landscape and rural life of the Forest of Bowland AONB, with a series of events between June 10 and 15.

Activities include dawn chorus walks with the RSPB, night-time bat walks with the North Lancashire bat group, moorland safaris, woodland walks, rambles , heritage trips and farm open days.

County councillor Tim Ormrod, chairman of the AONB, said: "The Bowland Festival is about those of us who live and work in the Forest of Bowland AONB sharing with others what makes it such a special place for wildlife and people, so that people from across the world can enjoy its value too."

A festival site will open over the weekend of Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13 at Dunsop Bridge which will become the focal point of the celebrations.

Lucy Barron, project manager for the RSPB's Birds of Bowland project, said: "The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to visit and enjoy an area renowned for its outstanding wildlife and landscapes."

People signing up for events are being urged to stay in the area for longer, and are receiving lists of local accommodation.

Bowland was given AONB status after its heather moorland, blanket bogs and rare birds were announced to be of national importance.

Leaflets for the festival can be obtained by calling the RSPB on 01484 861148, or by emailing anna.surgrue@rspb.co.uk or visiting www.forestofbowland.com or Clitheroe Tourist Information Centre.