Natural England

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been described as the jewels of the English landscape.  There are 36 in all, covering about 15% of England.  The smallest is the Isles of Scilly, a mere 16 sq km, the largest the Cotswolds totalling 2,038 sq km.  The South Hampshire Coast AONB was de-designated in March 2005 as the majority of it now lies within the New Forest National Park.

Natural England is responsible for designating AONBs and advising Government and others on how they should be protected and managed.  Areas are designated solely for their landscape qualities for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty (which includes landform and geology, plants and animals, landscape features and the rich history of human settlement over the centuries).

There are local AONB partnerships in all AONBs led by local authorities and including a wide range of key organisations.  These partnerships are dedicated to the conservation of these nationally important areas.  Staff teams funded mainly by the local authorities and Natural England are based locally to co-ordinate and deliver action on the ground.

To support AONB staff we have produced the 'AONB Management Handbook' to provide technical advice on a number of key areas.  This is available online through the Finest Countryside Learning Network along with a range of additional information.  Access to the Learning Network is password controlled but you can visit the site to register and obtain a username and password. 

To find out more about the designation click here.

To find out more about the individual areas click on the map or alphabetical list below.