The UK is home to 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). They’re pretty much what it says on the tin — outstanding, natural, beautiful — and designated for protection in the same way that larger national parks are. Covering forests, hills and coastlines, they include the Shropshire Hills, the Norfolk Coast, the Cotswolds and the Isles of Scilly. Now another stunning spot could be joining the ranks.
A consultation has begin over whether the Yorkshire Wolds should be made an AONB. It certainly seems to tick all the boxes.
The landscape, which stretches from the Vale of York to the East Yorkshire coast, is full of peaceful ancient woodland, thriving grassland, dramatic valleys and majestic coastal cliffs. Visitors will also find Iron Age settlements, abandoned Medieval villages and a host of gorgeous Georgian manors. Fun fact: much of the area has featured in artwork by David Hockney
Anne Hadley, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire council, said: ‘We are very lucky to have a range of fabulous natural assets from the Wolds to the coast, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
‘It is fantastic to see the area, with its outstanding natural beauty, considered for such a significant status.’
The AONB recognition would help to preserve the Wolds’ landscape and cultural heritage while also promoting local tourism and economic growth. The consultation, which is being run by Natural England, began on October 8 and will continue for 12 weeks.
Natural wonders of the UK
We at Time Out are more than familiar with the country’s many spectacular landscapes. Here are our picks for the top 10 national parks and these are the most amazing natural wonders in the UK. And did you see that Scotland might be getting a new national park? Here are the five shortlisted areas.
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