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Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Designated area of countryside in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB; Welsh: Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol, AHNE) is one of 46 areas of countryside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value.
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Areas are designated in recognition of their national importance by the relevant public body: Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency respectively. On 22 November 2023, following a 2022 Landscapes Review policy paper,[1] the AONBs in England and Wales adopted a new name, National Landscapes (Welsh: Tirweddau Cenedlaethol), and are in the process of rebranding.[2][3] The name "area of outstanding natural beauty" is still the designated legal term.[4]
In place of the term AONB, Scotland uses the similar national scenic area (NSA) designation. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty enjoy levels of protection from development similar to those of UK national parks, but unlike national parks the responsible bodies do not have their own planning powers. They also differ from national parks in their more limited opportunities for extensive outdoor recreation.[5]