Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are areas of precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nationals interest to safeguard them. Their care has been entrusted to the local authorities, organisations, community groups and the individuals who live and work within them or who value them. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act, 2000 added further regulation and protection, ensuring the future of AONBs as important national resources. National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Area designated by the Countryside Commission and confirmed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to conserve the natural beauty of the area.
nationally important areas of great landscape, nature conservation and recreational value, designated on the advice of the Countryside Commission by the Secretary of State for the Environment. The Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was formally designated in 1968.
National designation to conserve the natural beauty of particular landscapes of nationally recognised importance.
area designated by the Countryside Agency or the Countryside Council for Wales where the primary purpose is the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty including flora, fauna, geology and landscape.
An area of particular natural beauty to be preserved and enhanced. Designated by the Countryside Commission under Section 87 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
AONB) An area of high scenic quality designated by the Countryside Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales. These have less legal protection from development than National Parks.
Areas designated by the Countryside Commission under sections 87 and 88 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Part of the Chiltern Hills AONB can be found in western Hertfordshire.
An area with Statutory National Landscape designation, the primary purpose of which is to conserve and enhance natural beauty.
Areas designated by the Countryside Commission under Sections 87 and 88 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Hertfordshire is part of one AONB - the Chiltern Hills.
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an area of countryside with significant landscape value in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, that has been specially designated by the Countryside Agency, The Countryside Council for Wales or EHS (NI) on behalf of the United Kingdom government.
