AONB Guide

What are AONBs?

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) were brought into being by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 strengthened the conservation and management of AONBs in partnership with local authorities.

They are fine landscapes, of great variety in character and extent. The criteria for designation is their outstanding natural beauty. Many AONBs also fulfil a recreational role but, unlike national parks, this is not a designation criteria.

The first designation of an AONB was Gower in Wales in 1956 and most recent addition was the Tamar Valley in 1995.

A map of AONBs in England and Wales (and also those in Northern Ireland) can be found on the National Association of AONBs website.

AONB Guide - Departmental Guidance