What is an AONB?

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are treasured places in England and Wales where the landscape is considered worthy of protection by law for future generations. There are 41 AONBs in England and Wales, covering some 15% of the total land area.

Along with National Parks, AONBs are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Their primary purpose is the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, landscape, natural and historic heritage. However, there is a recognition that this natural beauty relies upon the management of the landscape through agriculture and forestry, and the economic and social activities that occur within it.

AONBs do not have the same requirement for access and recreation provision as do National Parks, and their management is largely through Partnership organisations or Conservation Boards. However, in planning terms, AONBs are equivalent to National Parks and must be afforded the same level of consideration and protection.

The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) has strengthened the profile and protection of AONBs. In particular, the Act:

• placed a duty on all public bodies and statutory undertakers to ‘have regard’ to the purposes of AONBs;
• established a process for creating AONB conservation boards, where this is supported locally
• created a statutory responsibility for local authorities and conservation boards to produce and regularly review AONB Management Plans.