What is a National Landscape?
Landscapes whose special character and beauty are so valuable that it is in the nation's interest to conserve them
Landscapes whose special character and beauty are so valuable that it is in the nation's interest to conserve them
There are 46 National Landscapes across England, Northern Ireland and Wales and these areas, alongside National Parks, are the most special landscapes in the country. They belong to an international family of protected areas recognised and classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) throughout the world. National Landscapes, National Parks and Heritage Coasts in England and Wales fall into Category V: Protected Landscapes.
National Landscapes and National Parks are legally protected to conserve and enhance their natural beauty
National Landscapes are legally designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty because their special character and beauty is so valuable that it is in the nation’s interest to conserve them.
Prioritising sustainable forms of social and economic development is crucial to conserve and enhance the natural environment.
Agriculture, forestry, and other rural industries are key to the economic and social needs of local communities.
Protected landscapes are there for everyone to enjoy, with this legal designation raising awareness of the importance of conservation, agriculture and other key elements.
The legislation that created Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty was the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. The government of the day decided to formally recognise that the countryside of England and Wales has a rich diversity of scenery, which is of great value and worthy of protection.
In 2000 the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act confirmed that Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty share the highest status of protection in relation to landscape and scenic beauty, alongside National Parks. The government also placed new responsibilities on local authorities to ensure further protection for designated landscapes. In 2023, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty were rebranded as National Landscapes, with their legal designation remaining the same.
The Northumberland Coast is one of a family of National Landscapes. In total, this patchwork of landscapes covers 15% of the land in England. There are 37 National Landscapes in England and Wales, and a further eight in Northern Ireland.
The 2023 rebrand, which means that Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are now known as National Landscapes, highlights the protected landscape similarities shared with National Parks.
The National Landscapes Association is a charity which oversees all the National Landscapes in the UK, joining these living places together as one vibrant patchwork. Focusing on the relationship between people and place, the National Landscapes Association supports individual landscapes with varied programmes on everything from climate, nature, farming, planning and education to arts, culture, equality, diversity, inclusivity and wellbeing.
There are 46 National Landscapes to explore in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and they are all connected and advocated for by the National Landscapes Association. Across England, 66% of people live within a half an hour journey time from a National Landscape.
(Photography by Dru Dodd)
Find out more about Defra programme, Farming in Protected Landscapes.
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The Conservation Team is a volunteer initiative carrying out vital tasks.
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Discover the traditional villages and lively harbours in the Northumberland Coast National Landscape.
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