National Landscapes are places for relaxation and contemplation, for exercise and fun; they are places where we can harness the healing powers of the great outdoors. They are protected not only for the nation to enjoy, but for the flora and fauna that live within their borders.
Together they cover 14% of England, Wales and Northern Ireland including moorland, farmland, coast, and forests. They also encompass UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, a Geopark and International Dark Sky Reserves. Forty-four million people in England live within 30 minutes of a National Landscape and at least 170 million people visit them every year.
The National Landscape name, however, is a novel one. On 22nd November last year, 46 parts of the UK previously known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Britain took on this new title. Chair of National Landscapes Philip Hygate explains the name change. “The brand captures the essence of our family — the ambition, collaboration, commitment and readiness to serve and share for the good of our landscapes; for nature, climate and people.”
Like National Parks, National Landscapes are areas protected for the nation’s benefit and cared for by local teams who understand the factors that make each one of them special.
Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, says: “For decades, the AONBs have helped protect the beauty of our finest landscapes. Today though, we need so much more from these wonderful places, helping us adapt to climate change, catching carbon, restoring depleted wildlife and encouraging more people outside, at the same time as producing food, sustaining local communities and enhancing historic environments.”
The change in name was also partly inspired by the Glover Landscapes Review of 2019 that articulated that AONBs should become more relevant to a wider audience, including urban residents, people from deprived backgrounds, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities, neurodiverse people, those with learning disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. Representatives from these groups were given input into the rebrand process, as were many representatives from their existing audience.
As the National Landscapes Association moves into the future, with a new vision, it’s still its visitors who will make the biggest difference. Find your nearest National Landscape.
YHA has plenty of beautiful properties located in lovely landscapes.
Photo credit: Adobe stock – parkerspics
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