Forest of Pendle

As early as 1311 [the Forest of Pendle] was divided into eleven places of pasture for cows, of which the principal names, as they appear in a commission of Henry VII, are still preserved.

From Tudor times the forests began to be sold off to private holders with increased rights, and Pendle was developed further than it had been previously.

Other townships which developed within the ancient forest include Barley, Barrowford, Blacko, Fence, Reedley, Roughlee, Higham and Wheatley Lane.

Parts south of Pendle Water and the River Calder, such as Reedley and Ightenhill, are now suburbs of the modern town of Burnley.

To the less populated north and east some Ribble Valley district areas such as Sabden, Twiston and Downham have been added to the forest AONB.