AONBs

High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a historical countryside of rolling hills draped by small, irregular fields, abundant woods and hedges, scattered farmsteads and sunken lanes. It is a unique landscape full of surprises.

A closer look reveals flower-rich meadows, patches of heathland, hop gardens, orchards, sandstone outcrops, steep, wooded ravines (called gills) with their secret streams and ‘hammer’ponds - remnants of the Wealden iron industry. It comes as no surprise, then, that this intimate, diverse landscape supports a wide variety of wildlife.

The word ‘Weald’ means wilderness or forest: the High Weald was once an untamed, wooded area, with patches of wild grassland and heathland. By Domesday (1086) the High Weald remained the most densely wooded area of England and now boasts the highest proportion of ancient woodland in the country.

The constantly changing height and terrain give an ever-changing view of this patchwork countryside, created and maintained by traditional farming. The picture has remained almost the same through the last five centuries: the High Weald is, essentially, still a medieval landscape. This can be said of few other places in the country.

Isle of Wight AONB

About half of the Island is AONB, mostly in the South and West, but with five parcels stretching across the whole land area, in total around 189 square kilometres. It was designated in 1963. The AONB represents the variety of landscapes found upon the Island, from high chalk downs to lush green pastures. It also includes around half of the coastline including all of the Heritage Coast.

Centuries of land management have shaped the existing landform to create today's landscape. Any persons' perception of beauty is an individual thing and one which is very often different from our forebears. This makes it hard to generalise, however there are many landscapes which have widespread appeal. The Isle of Wight has that special feel.

Kent Downs

The Kent Downs covers nearly a quarter of Kent, stretching from the White Cliffs at Dover up to the Surrey and London borders. It is a diverse and vibrant landscape with its chalk escarpments, secluded dry valleys, network of tiny lanes and historic hedgerows, ancient woodlands, traditional orchards, locally distinct villages, unique wildlife and many sites of historic and cultural interest to explore. All these make up a landscape that is such a valuable national asset that it was nationally designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1968.

North Wessex Downs

A nationally important landscape encompassing well known areas such as the Marlborough and Watership Downs, Lambourn Valley and the Vale of Pewsey, the World Heritage Site at Avebury and the White Horse of Uffington. The market towns of Marlborough and Hungerford can be found within its boundaries, as can large stretches of the Ridgeway National Trail and the Kennet and Avon Canal, both key leisure routes through the area.
Find out about this landscape, its wildlife and heritage - and about living and working in - and visiting - the area. Read about the Projects and Initiatives. Discover how the AONB Partnership is working to protect the natural beauty of the area.

The Chichester Harbour Conservancy

Chichester Harbour really does have something for everyone. Whether you are a keen sailor or an early morning walker, the Harbour will be able to accommodate you. The harbour has 13 villages all with their own characteristics and historical background. Chichester Harbour with 11 square miles of water, 17 miles of well marked and lit channels and with easy access to the Solent, is an ideal water recreation centre A pack of 10 self-guided walks is available from the Harbour Office for £4. The carefully researched walks are of varying lengths and are designed so that even if you know the area well or are a first time visitor you can learn a little of the historical background as well as details of the plants and wildlife you are likely to see on your chosen walk. To obtain a pack send a cheque for £4 made to 'Chichester Harbour Conservancy' to: Harbour Office. Chichester Harbour Conservancy, Harbour Office, Itchenor, Chichester PO20 7AW Alternatively join one of the guided walks sponsored by Chichester Harbour Conservancy and are offered free of charge (except for the 3-day walk for which there is a charge to cover transport and admin costs).

The Chilterns

The Chilterns lie only a few miles north-west of London and yet they are an unspoilt area of rolling chalk hills, magnificent beechwoods, quiet valleys and charming brick and flint villages. A wonderful mosaic of woods, fields, hedges, sunken lanes and clear streams.

The South Downs AONB

The Sussex Downs Conservation Board works in partnership with partner organisations to ensure that the qualities that make the Sussex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) special and distinctive are valued in any decision-making which may affect its character. Together with the East Hampshire Joint Advisory Committee, the Board aims to protect the whole of the South Downs. Established in 1992, as a national experiment for an initial period of six years, the Sussex Downs Conservation Board has proved to be successful in carrying out its stated aims and objectives. As a result of this success the Board has continued under an interim agreement with the local authorities and the Government's Countryside Agency. A Management Plan for the Sussex Downs AONB was produced in 1996, followed by a Landscape Assessment and other strategic documents. The Board is currently working to produce a joint South Downs Management Plan with East Hampshire AONB. The Sussex Downs Conservation Board's aims are: to protect, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Sussex Downs AONB; to encourage peoples quiet enjoyment of the Downs; to promote sustainable economic and social development.

The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

The Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a nationally protected landscape rich in wildlife, woodland, attractive market towns and villages. This diverse landscape of rolling chalk downs, flower rich grasslands, acid heaths and ancient woodlands also provides some of the best walking in Southern England.

Explore the site and you’ll soon discover why the Surrey Hills is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.