How many AONB’s are there in North Wales?
There are three National Landscapes or Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) located within North Wales and one National Park, Eryri.
The three National Landscapes in North Wales are:
- Ynys Mon Tirwedd Cenedlaethol Ynys Môn (Anglesey National Landscape)
- Tirwedd Cenedlaethol Bryniau Clwyd a Dyffryn Dyfrdwy (Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape)
- Tirwedd Cenedlaethol Llŷn (Llŷn National Landscape)
All three of these stunning areas are full of beautiful walks and i’m so pleased that they are legally protected. We are extremely lucky in North Wales to have so many beautiful areas to visit. If you’re looking for great walks in North Wales do make sure you have a good look around my site.
Are AONB’s and National Landscapes the same thing?
Yes, they refer to the exact same protected areas in Wales. Towards the end of 2023, AONBs in the UK were rebranded as National Landscapes to raise their profile and better reflect their national importance. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) (Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol – AHNE) remains the official legal name of the statutory designation.
So, when you see National Landscape in Wales (and England), it is referring to an area that is legally designated as an AONB. The name has changed, but the legal status to conserve and enhance natural beauty has not.
What’s the difference between National Parks and National Landscapes?
While both National Parks and National Landscapes (AONBs) are protected areas with the highest status against harmful development, they differ in purpose and management. National Parks have a dual purpose: they must conserve the natural beauty and actively promote public enjoyment and understanding of the area. To manage this, they are run by a dedicated, powerful body called a National Park Authority (NPA), which has full planning control.
In contrast, National Landscapes have a single primary purpose: to conserve and enhance natural beauty, with public enjoyment being secondary. They are typically managed by a partnership that advises the local councils, which retain final planning authority.
Critically, in both types of designated land, if conservation and enjoyment conflict, conservation must always take priority (the Sandford Principle).
Is the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley going to become a new National Park?
It’s a really strong possibility, I’ve created a separate post with all of the most up to date information on the new National Park anf I’ll be adding all the latest updates as I hear them.
Click below to find out the latest news about the New Glyndŵr National Park in North Wales.
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