What is an AONB?

AONBs are designated by Natural England and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949

The primary aim is:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.

Two secondary aims complement this purpose.

• To meet the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside
• To have regard for the interests of those who live and work there.

In achieving these aims each AONB relies on

• Planning controls
• Practical countryside management.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW) added further regulation and protection, ensuring the future of AONBs as important national resources.

Each AONB has been designated for special attention by reason of their high qualities. These include their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations as well as scenic views. AONB landscapes range from rugged coastline to water meadows to gentle down land and upland moors.

Family of protected landscapes

England's "Finest Countryside" - AONBs, National Parks and Heritage Coasts, are collectively known as "protected landscapes".  They are unique national assets and are irreplaceable. They belong to the wider family of protected landscapes throughout Europe - and indeed the world - which are protected not just for the present, but also for future generations.

The close connection between landscape, wildlife habitat and human activity is such that these areas often contain rare and valued wildlife and cultural heritage.

In contrast to National Parks, AONBs are:

• largely managed by local authority advisory committees (National Parks require a special authority of their own)
• are gentle rather than dramatic landscapes
• are mostly located in lowland areas
• are not bound to offer public recreational opportunities as part of their designation

Increasingly, protected landscapes are being used as pilot/demonstration areas, promoting sustainable planning and land management policies.

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