AREAS OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Quality countryside being conserved for the future
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are precious landscapes identified as having a distinctive character and natural beauty of such quality that it is in the nation's interest to protect them.

Almost half the Island has been designated by the Countryside Commission as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (189 sq km). Chalk cliffs, downland, tidal estuary, wooded coastline and the two Heritage Coasts are all recognised as being of special importance.
The Countryside Commission works to conserve and enhance the beauty of the English Countryside and to help people enjoy it. This is achieved by planning controls, practical countryside management through the AONB Project and by raising public awareness.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are largely privately owned and continue to be "working landscapes", usually farmed. The Countryside Commission carries out its aims with regard to those who live and work in these areas and to those who visit them.
Our countryside is under great pressure but it is often the case that we only miss something when it has gone. AONB designation is a recognition that these areas are too precious to lose and aims to conserve the natural beauty of the landscape for its own sake and for future generations, as well as our own to enjoy.

Please follow the Country Code
• Enjoy the countryside and respect its life and work
• Guard against all risk of fires
• Fasten all gates
• Keep your dog under close control
• Keep to public paths across farmland
• Use gates and styles to cross fences, hedges and walls
• Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone
• Take your litter home
• Help to keep all water clean
• Protect wildlife, plants and trees
• Take special care on country roads
• Make no unnecessary noise
 

Enjoy yourself!