Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are designated areas that are protected to conserve and improve their natural beauty.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are selected on various criteria for example for AONBs in England the landscape quality, where natural or man-made landscape must be judged to be of good quality. Other criteria include, scenic quality, such as striking coastal landforms and relative wildness, such as distance from housing or having few roads. Relative tranquillity, where natural sounds, such as streams or birdsong are predominant are preferred with natural heritage features, such as distinctive geology or species and habitat. Cultural heritage, which can include the built environment that makes the area unique, such as archaeological remains or historic parkland can also be considered.

Like the National Parks, AONBs extremely popular for hiking and other outdoor pursuits; while others are best-known for their wildlife.