There are three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the County.   These are: -

• Arnside and Silverdale AONB
• North Pennines AONB
• Solway Coast AONB

AONBs are national designations of landscapes of special importance.   We support, along with other relevant local authorities and Natural England, an AONB Unit for each area.   These units have produced, on our behalf, comprehensive Management Plans for each area.   These provide guidance on ways to conserve and enhance the landscape, natural, wildlife and historic character of each area.

Each area has its own unique character.   To find out more about the character and work of the AONBs follow the links below.

Arnside and Silverdale AONB

This landscape of special importance was designated in 1972.  It covers 75 sq km, and straddles the boundary of Cumbria and Lancashire.   The Limestone geology and coastal aspect of the area sustains a complex mosaic of habitats.   There are many semi-natural ancient woodlands, wildflower-rich limestone grasslands, protected limestone pavements, coastal salt-marshes, rare butterflies and many other diverse habitats.

Arnside and Silverdale AONB  (external link)

North Pennines AONB

This landscape of special importance was designated an AONB in 1988. Tumbling waterfalls, sweeping moorland views, dramatic dales, stone-built villages, and snaking stone walls contribute to this beautiful place.   The impressive shapes and forms the land takes in the North Pennines, from High Force on the River Tees to the sweeping U-shaped valley of High Cup Gill above Dufton, are the product of millions of years of geological processes. The worldwide significance of the geology found here is recognised by the fact that the North Pennines AONB is Britain's first European Geopark and a founding member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.

North Pennines AONB  (external link)

Solway Coast AONB

The Solway Coast AONB was designated an area of special landscape importance in 1964.   The area covers most of the English Solway Firth coastline from Rockcliffe to Maryport, with the exception of the town of Silloth on Solway.  The area is of international importance for bird life, rare plants and its vast array of different habitats which provide homes for many animals. It also boasts a variety of landscapes including sand dunes, salt marsh, raised mires sand and mud flats and a wealth of rich agricultural land.

Solway Coast AONB  (external link)

For general information on AONBs follow the links below.