Beacon Fell Country Park
| Beacon Fell | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Elevation | 266 m (873 ft) |
| Location | |
| Location | Lancashire, England |
| OS grid | SD567428 |
Fell
Beacon Fell is a fell in the civil parish of Goosnargh in Lancashire, England. It has been a Country Park since 1970. It is situated on the edge of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty although it is separated from the other hills in the Forest. Its summit is 266 metres (873 ft) above sea level.
From Beacon Fell there are extensive views
- to the west, of the whole of the Fylde, including Blackpool Tower
- to the north and northeast, of the Forest of Bowland hills, particularly Fair Snape Fell and Parlick
- to the east, of Chipping, Pendle Hill, Longridge Fell and Longridge,
- to the south, of Preston
On a clear day the Welsh hills, the Lake District hills and the Isle of Man may be visible.
The park is popular with visitors. It has a network of well-maintained footpaths through largely coniferous woodland. The Bowland Visitor Centre provides information about the fell and the Forest of Bowland, and serves refreshments. There is an abundance of wildlife for those who are prepared to be observant. Rabbits and the European Hare are frequent and easily spotted. Roe Deer are a little more elusive but patience may be rewarded! Stoats and Weasels can be seen running across fields or clambering over dry stone walls. As many as 11 species of Dragonflies and Damselflies may be seen around the Tarn during the summer months, other small animals such as the Red Fox, European Badger, European Hedgehog, European Mole, Tree Squirrel and the European Otter are also common.
Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire cheese, named after the Fell, and currently manufactured in Longridge[1] and Garstang,[2] has Protected Designation of Origin status. Only cheeses made with milk from the Fylde or the Preston area, and conforming to the published method of production, may use this name.[3]
[edit] Sculptures
The fell features a number of sculptures by local artist Thompson Dagnall, including Black Tiger (2006), Kissing Seat (2006), Walking Snake (1998), Hanging Bat (1998), Spruced up Heron (1996) and Orme Sight (1996).[4]
Lancaster artist Richard Shilling is artist in residence who creates short-lasting sculptures from surrounding materials.[5]
-
Looking north to Fair Snape Fell (left) and Parlick (right)
-
Looking south towards Preston
-
Beacon Fell Tarn
[edit] References
- ^ "Queen to visit county's 'big cheese'", Lancashire Evening Post, 20 June 2008, accessed online 12 November 2008
- ^ Dewlay Cheesemakers, accessed 17 February 2012
- ^ DEFRA - Beacon Fell Traditional Lancashire Cheese accessed 12 November 2008
- ^ Thompson Dagnell: List of Works, accessed 11 July 2008
- ^ 2009, "Local artist: Richard Shilling", BBC Lancashire, accessed 27 June 2009
