Welcome to Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Designating somewhere an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means we have to look after, enhance and protect it. Covering 380 square miles of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, the area is the sixth largest of England’s 41 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

AONB designation gives strong statutory protection for the future, especially important in the South, where development and economic pressures are intense. The AONB team aims to ensure that the right balance is maintained, so that these fine landscapes remain here for future generations. Conserving and enhancing the area whilst maintaining it as a living and working environment.

Here you can discover more on landscape character, heritage and wildlife as well as local information for visitors and residents. Together we can enhance our knowledge of local history, share best practice, canvass support from associated agencies and jointly make the AONB a more vibrant, sustainable community for us all.