Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been described as jewels of the English landscape and in terms of their landscape value are considered equal to that of National Parks. There are 36 AONBs in England, covering about 15% of the English landscape. The smallest AOND is the Isles of Scilly covering only 16 sq km and the largest is the Cotswolds totaling 2,038 sq km.

Three AONBs fall partly within Wiltshire - the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs; the North Wessex Downs; and the Cotswolds. The work of the AONBs is directed by partnerships of organisations (statutory Conservation Board for the Cotswolds), which include relevant local authorities and other key organisations and individuals.

Because of the large areas of Wiltshire covered by the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs and North Wessex Downs AONBs, Wiltshire Council formally hosts these projects and employs the respective AONB teams. The Council also supports all three AONBs with financial contributions and technical assistance. Approximately 44% of Wiltshire Council's area is designated as AONB and is testament to the County's scenic beauty.

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

Originally designated under the provisions of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, AONBs were given further protection under the Countryside & Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. One of the duties of the CRoW Act is for local authorities to prepare Management Plans for AONBs that fall within their boundaries.

In 2004, Management Plans were prepared and published for all three Wiltshire AONBs. In March 2008 and 2009 the Management Plans were reviewed, updated and re-published for the Cotswolds, and Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs, respectively. The North Wessex Downs AONB Management Plan is currently being reviewed and updated and will be re-published before the end of 2009.

For more information please visit the following web sites:

• Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire downs
• North Wessex Downs
• Cotswolds
• Nationally Association of AONBs
• Natural England (AONBs)
• South West Protected Landscapes Forum

Last updated: 6 October 2011