A Living Landscape

The primary purpose of AONB designation is the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty.

In order to protect the AONB for the future, we need an accurate description of the AONB as it is now; both in terms of its physical attributes and the forces that are directing landscape change. This is known as Landscape Character Assessment, and includes physical landform, ecological, aesthetics and human settlement aspects along with an understanding of how landscape is used and has evolved. This process helps us identify and appreciate the character of strips of landscape, locally distinctive features and the sense of place of individual localities.

Our AONB is An Historic Landscape, valued for its cultural and historical characteristics. Understanding this is crucial to our understanding of landscapes as a whole which is why we are currently undertaking a programme of Historic Landscape Characterisation along with other projects.

Landscape Fragility. During the initial public consultation in the preparation of the management plan particular areas of interest were highlighted which included tranquillity, rural roads, light pollution and the general sensitivities or robustness of the landscapes of the AONB.

Introducing all these aspects of Landscapes into Planning and ensuring proper weight is given to them, has led to the establishment of a planning protocol with the local authorities and the commission of studies focusing on the interrelationships of planning and landscapes.

Although the AONB does not actively manage local features and locations, our role is to encourage and facilitate policies, schemes and activities that sustain and enhance the regions landscape characteristics. As such we work closely with land managers, wildlife groups and countryside sports which involves recognising and understanding the working relationships between Working Landscapes and Nature in Landscapes.

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