Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a United Kingdom. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are areas of England, Wales and Northern Ireland so designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949). There are 41 AONBs in total, selected because of their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations and scenic views.
The care of AONBs is entrusted to local authorities, often coordinated by AONB officers. Further protection is afforded by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Detailed information is available from the NAAONB Website: NAAONB Factsheet (http://www.aonb.org.uk/wba/naaonb/naaonbpreview.nsf/Web%20Default%20Frameset?OpenFrameSet&Frame=Main&Src=%2Fwba%2Fnaaonb%2Fnaaonbpreview.nsf%2F%24LU.WebHomePage%2F%24first!OpenDocument%26AutoFramed)
The primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape, with two secondary aims: meeting the need for quiet enjoyment of the countryside and having regard for the interests of those who live and work there.
AONBs are created under the same legislation as the national parks, the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
The smallest AONB is the Isles of Scilly (1976), 16 km², and the largest AONB is the Cotswolds (1966), 2,038 km².
The AONB's richly farmed valley landscapes are a pleasing foil to the chalk uplands.
Visually, the AONB is dominated by chalk in the sharp upfold which forms both the island's eastwest backbone and southern expanse of wide green downs, and its most famous landmark, the bright white stacks of the Needles.
The AONB landscape is of considerable scientific and ecological importance and includes exceptional flora-rich chalk grasslands, the north coast's major estuarial habitats and the geologically notable southern cliffs and landslips.
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