In 1945, in response to growing support for the creation of National Parks, the Dower Report was published. Together with the 1947 Hobhouse Report, it recommended that a number of the finest landscapes in England and Wales should be given special legal status to ensure their preservation "for the nation's benefit".
Landscapes of equal value were designated as either AONBs or National Parks as a result of differences in size, scale and aims. Forty six are now "Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty" (AONBs).Fourteen have become National Parks (for more information about National Parks, visit the website of the Association of National Park Authorities www.anpa.gov.uk).
Because of their fragile natural beauty the primary purpose of AONB designation is
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape
Two secondary aims complement the 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
Click here for a map showing the location of AONBs in England and Wales .
Why do we need AONBs?
We assume that our countryside will always stay the same, but often this is not true. Perhaps the most vulnerable areas are not the wild, open, high places but the gentle, smaller-scale landscapes of England and Wales. These include hedgerows, spinneys and bluebell woods; heath, marsh and meadow. Under pressure for change, much of this traditional countryside has already vanished. AONB status protects the finest examples which remain. AONBs work - with due care for the rural way of life - to conserve the landscape's outstanding natural beauty and ensure its survival for future generations.
As a nation, we believe that the rich green image of our traditional countryside belongs to us all. In a sense, AONBs do belong to us all: the Government confers their status and our planning laws protect them. But the nation neither owns nor administers the land - some is owned by public bodies such as the Forestry Commission, or by conservation organisations such as the National Trust and County Wildlife Trusts. Other areas are owned by local authorities and government departments, like the Ministry of Defence. But much of the land within AONBs remains in the hands of the farmers and landowners who, over the generations, have shaped its rich and familiar patterns. Most AONBs continue to function as traditional, but well-farmed landscapes - it is accepted that the countryside is not a museum and supports a distinct and traditional rural way of life.
Designation of AONBs:
Natural England (NE) and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) are responsible for formally designating AONBs and advising on policies for their protection. The CA and CCW act as national "watchdogs" over AONBs, to ensure that they are successfully conserved and enhanced. Designation seeks to protect and enhance natural beauty whilst recognising the needs of the local community and economy. This includes the protection of flora, fauna and geological as well as landscape features. The conservation of archaeological, architectural and vernacular features in the landscape is also important.
Responsibility of care is assumed by local authorities and the rural community. AONB status provides a context for low key, long-term action, which relies upon partnership with local people.
As a result of this local basis, the planning and management approach in each individual AONB can vary considerably. Overall responsibility of care lies with the relevant local authorities. However, most AONBs fall within more than one local authority area (city, district and/or county). To encourage consistent policies and positive coordination, AONBs have undertaken the following actions:
- The formation of Joint Advisory Committees (or similar bodies - including an experimental Conservation Board established for the Sussex Downs AONB in 1992). These include representatives of not only the different local authorities, but also of landowners, farmers, residents and conservation and informal recreation interests.
- The appointment of AONB officers to coordinate local management operation.
- The preparation of Statements of Intent (or Commitment) and Management Plans.
 Practical management of AONBs:
Considerable help is offered to farmers and landowners in AONBs, to encourage landscape conservation and enhancement. Advice and grants can save hedgerows, flower meadows and woodland, and discourage the draining and ploughing up of pasture.
Grants for safeguarding traditional farmed landscapes within a number of AONBs are also available through schemes run by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Welsh Office. These grant schemes reduce the financial pressures on farmers, which in the past, have led them to remove traditional landscape features in the interests of greater efficiency.Raising awareness and informed support
By raising awareness of the importance of AONBs among local communities, local authorities and visitors, we seek to foster a commitment to the AONBs, encourage local partnerships and generate informed support from visitors.
The beauty of AONB landscapes naturally attracts visitors. Millions visit the less remote areas - perhaps on holiday in Devon or Cornwall, on day trips to the Wye Valley, or simply strolling in the Chilterns or the Surrey Hills. Managing visitor numbers is a growing challenge in AONBs. Control measures to avoid damage - ranging from parking restrictions to steering people away from sensitive sites - are only part of the answer. Leaflets, trails and ranger services in AONBs can help to show visitors why the landscape is precious and how to protect, as well as quietly enjoy, the fragile natural beauty. Public awareness and understanding of the special quality of AONB landscapes has been helped in recent years by the publication of landscape assessments for AONBs.
Over four decades have passed since the designation of the first AONBs. But, during these years, few major urban or industrial developments have scarred any of these areas. This is a clear vindication of what is, essentially, a policy of trust, which has left the nation's landscape treasures in capable local hands.
For more information about the AONB system in England and Wales you can also view an online version of the interactive CD- based presentation "An Introduction to AONBs", produced by the NAAONB, the Countryside Agency (now Natural England) and the Countryside Council for Wales. The presentation can be viewed in either English or Welsh. Click here to view this online presentation.
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