National Context

In the UK there are 41 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and 11 National Parks. AONBs cover 15.6% of land in England and Wales and the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs is the 6th largest and is one of twelve AONBs in the South West Region.

All UK AONBs are memebers of the National Assoiation of AONBs and is able to access advice and work with all the other protected areas around the UK. Visit the National Association of AONBs Website.

The AONB is also a member of the South West Protected Landscapes Forum (SWPLF). This is the umbrella body for the most prized places of natural beauty in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, the Isles of Scilly, Somerset and Wiltshire. It aims to promote best practice in Protected Landscapes management through networking, co-ordination and joint working that reduces duplication of effort and resources whilst more effectively and efficiently influencing regional and national decision-making that affects Protected Landscapes in the South West. Visit the SWPLF website.

In addition, because the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB also includes part of Hampshire, an AONB Team member also attends meetings of the South East Protected Landscapes Forum where relevant.