Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

*There are 40 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales (35 wholly in England, 4 wholly in Wales and 1 which straddles the border). 
*Created by the legislation of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. 
*There are also 9 AONBs in Northern Ireland - and a further two (Erne Lakeland and Fermanagh Caveland) are proposed.
*In South East England they cover some 36% of the countryside. 
*The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 placed a duty on all Local Authorities to act jointly in publishing AONB Management plans tasked with conserving and enhancing England’s AONBs. 
*The primary purpose of an AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty in these nationally important landscapes. 
Acoording to the Countryside Agency ... AONB account for 18 percent of the finest countryside in England and Wales. "Designated for their natural beauty, these national landscapes are tranquil and beautiful places for everyone to enjoy; as well as being home to exquisite and unusual plant and wildlife. AONBs in Britain offer startling variations in size and landscape character - from the windswept Northumberland Coast to the steep wooded valleys of the Blackdown Hills, the cosy harbours of Cornwall and ancient oak hunting forest of Cannock Chase."
Andrew Wood, Director of Landscape, Access and Recreation for the Countryside Agency: "The anniversary celebrations (May 2006) provide an opportunity to reflect on the success of the designations, while also giving thought to new challenges and the measures required to protect our AONBs, ... to ensure that these national landscapes are conserved and protected for the enjoyment of future generations."
=== Marking the 50th anniversary ===
To mark the golden anniversary, celebration events will be taking place all year (2006) in AONBs across Britain. From themed walks and cycle rides to local food festivals and photographic competitions, tree planting to craft workshops.
=== News UK ===
*Day of the fiftieth anniversary of the nation’s first AONB. Countryside Agency, May 9 2006 
* Rural Impact study to look at Ashford’s future, February 17 2006
=== Related ===
External links
*National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
*50th Anniversary of the first Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
References
 
*Countryside Agency press release
*Countryside Agency press release
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Category:Rural issues