Support

Support Resources

Introduction 

Natural England is the public body responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural environment in England. One of Natural England’s responsibilities is to decide whether an area should be given special status and protection by designating it as a National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB*).

The proposed Yorkshire Wolds AONB project has now reached the stage of statutory consultation. This provides everyone, from local authorities and infrastructure providers through to landowners, businesses, residents, and visitors, with the opportunity to have their say and to look at the work carried out to date and the proposals for a new AONB.

A number of documents (the Consultation Pack) have been written, explaining the process and the proposals, and these are available to view online, or to take home from events that will be held within the local area. In addition, copies of more technical documents (Supporting Information), such as the assessments that have been carried out, are also available to view online and within local libraries and local authority offices.

*AONBs have recently been rebranded as National Landscapes. Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Natural England would designate an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), not a National Landscape so this document will continue to refer to the area as a potential AONB. If designated, it would then be known as a National Landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The purpose of the Frequently Asked Questions page is to help inform about AONBs and the Yorkshire Wolds Designation Project in particular; the designation process and Natural England’s role; as well as some of the implications for any area that may be designated as an AONB. 

Glossary

Also included is a Glossary of terms page. Please note that words or phrases written in bold italic have their own entries within the Glossary, providing further information or explanation.