Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) refers to a rural area distinguished by its exceptional scenic beauty and national significance, safeguarded by statutory measures to preserve and enrich its natural landscape.

Presently, there are 46 designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompassing 33 wholly within England, four in Wales, one straddling the English/Welsh boundary, and eight in Northern Ireland (ref. National Association Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

The formal designation of AONBs and the formulation of relevant policies are overseen by Natural England, the Countryside Council for Wales, and the Environment Agency Northern Ireland.

AONBs receive their designation under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which is further reinforced by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, providing additional layers of protection. Specifically, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 mandates local authorities to develop management plans for their respective AONBs.

According to the National Planning Policy Framework (2012), AONBs hold equal importance to national parks concerning planning permissions and other matters of sensitivity.

AONBs are overseen by the pertinent local authorities, with support from local advisory committees comprising all authorities within the AONB jurisdiction. Additionally, conservation boards have been instituted for larger AONBs like the Cotswolds and Chilterns.

In September 2015, the National Trust released a report advocating for enhanced safeguards for AONBs (see “Protecting England’s Special Countryside”).

On May 27, 2018, nearly seven decades after the establishment of National Parks and AONBs, Environment Secretary Michael Gove initiated a review to ensure that designated landscapes are well-suited for the future. Led by writer Julian Glover, this review will assess how these landscapes address our evolving needs. It will consider whether there is room for expansion within the current network of 34 AONBs and 10 National Parks. Additionally, it will explore avenues for enhancing access to these areas, supporting residents and workers within them, and leveraging their role in fostering rural economic growth.

In October 2018, a call for evidence was launched to bolster the review of national parks and AONBs.

In November 2020, the government announced intentions to establish additional national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty as part of its 25-year environment plan.