About the AONB

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is exactly what it says it is: an outstanding landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a statutory designation established by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Together with National Parks, AONBs represent the nation’s finest landscapes. The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty.

The Northumberland Coast was designated as an AONB in 1958, covering an area of 138 sq km along 64km of the coastline between Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Coquet Estuary.

Google Map of the AONB

What is an AONB?

This page sets out the relevant legislation and purposes of AONB designation.

• Legislation
• Purpose of designation

What is an AONB

Designation History

The Northumberland Coast was designated as an AONB in 1958. The ‘designation history’ is a really interesting document that outlines the processes and decisions that were made to agree the AONB boundary as it is today.

• Designation History

Designation History

AONB Partnership

The duty to ensure that the natural beauty of the area is conserved and enhanced lies with Northumberland County Council and other public bodies. To assist the Council, the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership was formed in 2003.

• The AONB Partnership
• The Partnership’s role
• Current Membership

AONB Partnership

Other AONBs

The Northumberland Coast AONB is one of a family of 38 AONBs in England and Wales.

• AONB Family – Landscapes for Life

 Other AONBs