Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) (Since 2023 National Landscapes) are designated areas in the UK where protection is afforded to protect and manage the areas for visitors and local residents.

.AONBs are also known as National Landscapes.

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Natural England has the power to designate AONBs in England that are outside national parks and that are considered to have such natural beauty it is desirable they are conserved and enhanced; issue a variation order to change an existing AONB boundary. It also holds a duty to give advice on developments taking place in an AONB; take into account the conservation and enhancement of AONBs in its work.

National Landscapes are living places. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not a nature designation, and caring for the natural beauty of these places involves more than habitat restoration.

There are 46 National Landscapes in the UK. These are places with national importance, protected for the nation’s benefit, but cared for by local teams with a deep understanding of the distinctive web of interconnecting factors that make these places special.

The physical geography in a National Landscape: the unique combination of landform, climate and geology determines which species thrive, which industries grow, and therefore the heritage, language and culture of the individual place.

For more information visit https://national-landscapes.org.uk/.