Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB; Welsh: Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol, AHNE) is one of 46 areas of countryside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. On 22 November 2023 the AONBs in England and Wales adopted a new name, National Landscapes (Welsh: Tirweddau Cenedlaethol), and are in the process of rebranding.^[1]^[2]

Areas are designated in recognition of their national importance by the relevant public body: Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency respectively. In place of AONB, Scotland uses the similar national scenic area (NSA) designation. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty enjoy levels of protection from development similar to those of UK national parks, but unlike national parks the responsible bodies do not have their own planning powers. They also differ from national parks in their more limited opportunities for extensive outdoor recreation.^[3]

^ "Welcome to National Landscapes". National Landscapes. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
^ "National Landscapes: name change for AONBs represents ambitious plan to combat climate change and biodiversity loss in Britain". BBC Countryfile. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023. This follows the 2022 Landscapes Review policy paper – see "Landscapes review (National Parks and AONBs): government response". 15 January 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
^ "Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs): designation and management – GOV.UK". Gov.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2018.

[nlwelcome-1] "Welcome to National Landscapes". National Landscapes. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023.

[2] "National Landscapes: name change for AONBs represents ambitious plan to combat climate change and biodiversity loss in Britain". BBC Countryfile. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 22 November 2023. This follows the 2022 Landscapes Review policy paper – see "Landscapes review (National Parks and AONBs): government response". 15 January 2022. Retrieved 22 November 2023.

[Gov-3] "Areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs): designation and management – GOV.UK". Gov.uk. Retrieved 16 February 2018.

[1]

[2]

[3]