Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated areas where protection is afforded to protect and manage the areas for visitors and local residents. AONBs are also known as National Landscapes.Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, Natural England has the power to designate AONBs in England that are outside national parks and that are considered to have such natural beauty it is desirable they are conserved and enhanced; issue a variation order to change an existing AONB boundary. It also holds a duty to give advice on developments taking place in an AONB; take into account the conservation and enhancement of AONBs in its work.National Landscapes are living places. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is not a nature designation, and caring for the natural beauty of these places involves more than habitat restoration.There are 46 National Landscapes in the UK. These are places with national importance, protected for the nation's benefit, but cared for by local teams with a deep understanding of the distinctive web of interconnecting factors that make these places special.The physical geography in a National Landscape: the unique combination of landform, climate and geology determines which species thrive, which industries grow, and therefore the heritage, language and culture of the individual place.For more information visit https://national-landscapes.org.uk/.Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.

Northern Ireland has a great variety of scenic countryside and although there are no National Parks, large areas of landscape of distinctive character and special scenic value have been designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). In Northern Ireland AONBs are designated under the Amenity Lands Act (Northern Ireland) 1965 and the Nature Conservation and Amenity Lands (Northern Ireland) Order 1985.

TWBC Open Data - Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Heritage Coasts boundaries. Heritage coasts are ‘defined’ rather than designated, so there isn’t a statutory designation process like that associated with national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). They were established to conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast in England. A heritage coast is defined by agreement between the relevant maritime local authorities and Natural England. The national policy framework and objectives for heritage coasts were developed by the Countryside Commission, a predecessor of Natural England, and ratified by government. For more information see the following links:Heritage Coasts - Definition, Purpose and Natural England's RoleNatural England's report - Review and evaluation of England's Heritage Coasts publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4594438590431232?category=56001Full metadata can be viewed on data.gov.uk.