What we do

The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty.

In pursuing the primary purpose of designation, account should be taken of the needs of agriculture, forestry, and other rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. Particular regard should be paid to promoting sustainable forms of social and economic development that in themselves conserve and enhance the environment.

Recreation is not an objective of designation, but the demand for recreation should be met so far as this is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.

AONB partnerships and conservation boards with members from many different local organisations contribute to fulfilling these purposes. Each AONB partnership has a dedicated staff team which leads on the work in the AONB and although the detailed activity of each AONB team varies according to local circumstances, collectively the AONB Family has identified four common objectives for its work

Conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring they can meet the challenges of the future
Support the economic and social well-being of local communities in ways which contribute to the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty
Promote public understanding and enjoyment of the nature and culture of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and encourage people to take action for their conservation
Value, sustain and promote the benefits that the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty provide for society, including clean air and water, food, carbon storage and other services vital to the nation’s health and well-being.

In depth detail of each partnership’s work can be found on the AONBs’ individual websites.

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The NAAONB Board
About the National Association for AONBs (NAAONB)
NAAONB Objectives
Policy and Advocacy
Communications and Training
Collaboration
Securing and Managing resources