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Telephone: +44 (0)1452 425000
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Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) page explains what they are and how Gloucestershire County Council is involved with the three AONBs that partly fall within the County boundary. What is an AONB?  An AONB is an area whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard it. The primary purpose of AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. 'Natural Beauty' is taken to include geology, climate, soils, animals, communities, archaeology, buildings, the people who live in it, past and present, and the perceptions of those who visit it. The landscapes of AONBs are equal in value to those of our National Parks and command the same levels of planning protection. There are 40 AONBs in England and Wales covering approximately 15% of the land area. Gloucestershire and AONBs Gloucestershire has parts of three different AONBs within its boundary covering just over 50% of the County. The Cotswold AONB covers approximately 50% of the County, to the east, with the Wye Valley and Malvern Hills covering smaller areas to the west. Gloucestershire County Council is a partner in all three organisations and makes financial contributions to each of them. The County Council has officer and Member involvement in each of the three organisations. Click on the links below to find out more about each of the three AONBs:
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| © 2010 Gloucestershire County Council, Shire Hall, Westgate Street, Gloucester GL1 2TG. Telephone: +44 (0)1452 425000 |
