Gower AONB

Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower was the first AONB to be designated. Except for the small, urbanised eastern corner, the entire Gower peninsula is an AONB. Complex geology gives a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small area.

It ranges from the south coast's superb carboniferous limestone scenery at Worms Head and Oxwich Bay to the salt-marshes and dune systems in the north. Inland, the most prominent features are the large areas of common, dominated by sandstone heath ridges including the soaring sweep of Cefn Bryn. Secluded valleys have rich deciduous woodland and the traditional agricultural landscape is a patchwork of fields characterised by walls, stone-faced banks and hedgerows.

Gower's richly varied natural environment of heath, grassland, fresh and saltwater marsh, dunes and oak woodland, is nationally noted. The AONB has three National Nature Reserves, two Local Nature Reserves and many Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Among the many fine natural habitats are the mud-flats and salt-marsh of the Burry Inlet (a candidate Special Area of Conservation, Special Protection Area and Ramsar site) and the flora-rich limestone grasslands. Gower has been settled since prehistoric times and has a high concentration of ancient sites. The western end of the Peninsula is listed in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales for its Neolithic and Bronze Age features and its surviving medieval open field system. Almost all the coast is in the protective ownership of City and Council of Swansea, the National Trust, the Countryside Council for Wales or the Glamorgan Wildlife Trust.

Gower is still traditionally farmed with small, mixed arable livestock and dairying enterprises, many exercising ancient commons grazing rights. The area is covered by Tir Cymen agri-environment scheme whereby farmers agree to manage their agriculture for the benefit of conservation, wildlife, access and to help maintain traditional landscapes.

With an AONB population of approximately 10,000 the vast majority of the working population of Gower's villages commute to Swansea. The AONB lies entirely within Swansea's boundaries and added to retirement and holiday homes, this dormitory element has considerably altered the area's social balance.

Tourism plays a major but highly seasonal part in the rural economy, largely through caravan sites and small-scale guesthouses and B&B. The AONB is both a major water sports and family holiday destination for urban South Wales and the AONB is within four hours travelling time of 18 million people. The public rights of way network is extensive covering 431 km (268 miles) and is heavily used by both visitors and local people as it offers a wide variety of experiences reflecting the diversity of the Peninsula.