Parks and open spaces

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are designated in recognition of their national importance, because of their distinctive landscape, and to ensure that their character and qualities are protected for all to enjoy. There are 46 AONBs throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Three AONB fall partly within Wiltshire - Cranborne Chase (opens new window), the North Wessex Downs (opens new window)  and the Cotswolds (opens new window). The work of the AONB is directed by partnerships of organisations, which include relevant local authorities and other key organisations and individuals. The land within AONBs is a mix of public and privately owned; they are living, working landscapes.

Around 44% of Wiltshire is covered by the three AONB and they have their own management plans to help ensure that their natural beauty is conserved and enhanced.

A small part of the New Forest National Park (opens new window) also falls in the south-eastern corner of Wiltshire.

The River Avon rises in the Vale of Pewsey and flows through Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset to the sea at Christchurch. The rivers and its tributaries form one of the most diverse chalk stream systems in the UK, with over 180 plant species, one of the most diverse fish populations, and a wide range of aquatic invertebrates.

Much of the River Avon, its tributaries and some areas of adjacent wetland are designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to the presence of these internationally important habitats and species. SAC sites receive the highest level of legal protection.

The River Avon SAC Conservation Strategy has been developed by a partnership of organisations involved with the river, including Wiltshire Council. It defines issues affecting the river, ensure the river is being looked after, and identifies any further action required.

The Kennet and Avon Canal (opens new window) weaves its way from the Thames in the east to the Bristol Avon in the west, linking London to the Bristol Channel. The route of the canal takes it through some of Wiltshire's most spectacular scenery, from the Vale of Pewsey to historic towns such as Devizes and Bradford on Avon.

We are a key member of the Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership and assist the development and maintenance of the canal through financial contributions and technical assistance. Each year the Canal and River Trust (opens new window) produces a maintenance report. View the latest Canal & River Trust - The Kennet & Avon Canal Canal Heritage Lottery Fund Partnership (HLFP) Annual report April 2023 to March 2024 (opens new window).

The Cotswold Canals project is a combination of two waterways - the 29 mile (46 km) Thames and Severn Canal and the 7 mile (13 km) Stroudwater Navigation. Both were officially abandoned by Act of Parliament, respectively in 1933 and 1954. When restored, the Cotswold Canals will form a continuous waterway from Saul Junction on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal to the River Thames at Lechlade.

Restoration has started on many parts of the waterway, with several miles having been returned to water and many structures, such as bridges and locks, restored by the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers. The main focus is the restoration of the western end of the canal near Stroud.

As a key member of the Cotswold Canals Partnership (opens new window), we assist with the restoration of this canal through the giving of financial contributions and technical assistance. About 4½ km of the canal is located in the county to the north of Cricklade, where it will link with the Wilts & Berks Canal when that is also restored.

The Wilts and Berks Canal was abandoned in 1914 and is thought currently to be the longest restoration project in Britain. Several miles of the waterway have been returned to water with many structures, including bridges, locks and lengths of towpath, restored or in the process of restoration. The Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership aims to complete restoration by 2025. The main line of the canal runs for 52 miles between the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington and the River Thames at Abingdon.

We are a key member of the Wiltshire, Swindon and Oxfordshire Canal Partnership (opens new window) and assist with the restoration of the canal.

Restoration of the North Wilts branch of the Wilts and Berks Canal is part of a separate multi-partner project to create the Cricklade Country Way project (opens new window), connecting Swindon to Cricklade, Cotswold Water Park and the River Thames using restored canal, railway, cycleways, bridleways and footpaths.

The Wilts and Berks Canal Trust (opens new window) is aiming to open the entire length of the towpath as a long distance footpath. Other important restoration projects are taking place at Pewsham near Chippenham, Tockenham near Lyneham, and Royal Wootton Bassett.

The Melksham Link is a new route for the Wilts and Berks Canal, connecting the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington to the River Avon at Melksham. Find out more about the Melksham Link (opens new window).

Wiltshire Council does not allow metal detecting by the public on land it owns for the following reasons:

• much of the countryside owned by Wiltshire Council is let to third parties, usually for agriculture
• were metal detecting/digging by permit allowed in public open spaces it may encourage non-permit holders to detect or dig
• the council could be left with diggings and unfilled hollows making it unsafe for livestock, farm machinery and, if on public open space, the public
• there could be damage to sites and features of interest, including archaeology, vegetation and wildlife habitats

All who find archaeological objects whether through metal detecting or by other means are encouraged to make them available for formal recording; to this end, Wiltshire Council part-funds the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) partnership for Wiltshire. PAS is a national scheme hosted by the British Museum for the voluntary recording of finds. The Wiltshire Finds Liaison Officer can assist with identification and recording of finds. They can also provide further information on local metal detecting clubs. Further information can be obtained by emailing PAS@salisburymuseum.org.uk (opens new window). Telephone 01722 332 151.