What is an AONB?

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them.

AONBs are locally managed, nationally important areas, dealing with global issues.

AONB Partnerships, made up of local authorities, national agencies, voluntary bodies and community and user groups, have a responsibility to manage positive landscape change in their areas in order to conserve and enhance the landscape.

Created by legislation under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, AONBs in England and Wales are recognised in law to be of equal landscape quality to National Parks and are designated for similar reasons. The purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area.

Each AONB has been designated because of its special qualities, including flora, fauna, geology, historical and cultural associations as well as scenic views. AONB landscapes range from rugged coastline to water meadows to gentle downland and upland moors.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (the "CRoW" Act) added further protection for AONBs. All public bodies must now pay due regard to the designation when carrying out their activities within an AONB. The responsible local authorities are also required to produce an AONB Management Plan. This legislation will help to ensure the future of AONBs as vitally important national protected landscapes.

 

 

Arnside & Silverdale AONB Facts

Arnside and Silverdale AONB is a designated landscape of special importance, covering 75 sq km, straddling the boundary of Cumbria and Lancashire. It was designated in 1972.

The Carboniferous limestone geology and coastal aspect of the area sustains a complex mosaic of habitats.

There are many semi-natural ancient woodlands, wildflower-rich limestone grasslands, protected limestone pavements, coastal salt-marshes, rare butterflies and many other diverse habitats. Almost two thirds of the area are covered by designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and County Wildlife Sites.

The AONB takes in all or part of the parishes (and villages) of Arnside, Silverdale, Warton, Yealand Redmayne, Yealand Conyers and Beetham. The Area also includes the settlements of Storth, Sandside and Yealand Storrs.

Carnforth to the South and Milnthorpe at the North, form the "gateways" to the AONB - both being on the A6 and having weekly markets and regular farmers' markets. They also have a full range of shops and services, aimed at both visitors and residents.
The AONB's Vital statistics:
Description Number Area/Length % of AONB
AONB Designation 1 75 sq.km. 100%
Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 9 3507.2.ha 46.2%
Special Protection Area (SPA)  2  3267.5.ha  43.1%
Ramsar Sites 2 3267.5.ha 43.1%
SSSI 19 4,035 ha 53.2%
National Nature Reserves 1 121 ha  1.6%
County Wildlife Sites 70   901.3 ha 11.9%
Local Nature Reserves 3 40.6 ha 0.5%
Limestone Pavement Orders 16 1178 ha 15.5%
Ancient Woodland Sites 45 623 ha 8.2%
Scheduled Ancient Monuments 10 -
Conservation Areas (built environment) 3 -
Listed Buildings 110 -
Historic Parks and Gardens 1 76.4ha 1%
Links below go to EU Natura and UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee pages
 Natura 2000 Wildlife Sites > Special Protection Areas - read more
Special Areas of Conservation - read more

 

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