The Yorkshire Wolds are an area of undulating chalk hills that encompasses parts of East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire – and East Yorkshire locals are being asked to take part in a consultation for a proposed new Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) formally known as an Area of Oustanding Beauty.
Home to the Yorkshire Wolds Way, the area starts at the Humber Estuary and ends at the North Yorkshire seaside resort of Filey, encompassing the likes of Beverley, Pocklington, Driffield and more with a variety of picture postcard villages to visit.
There are currently 46 areas of countryside in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland that have been designated AONBs including the Howardian Hills and Nidderdale in Yorkshire. An initiative led by Natural England aims to secure national recognition for the Yorkshire Wolds, East Yorkshire.
If Yorkshire Wolds gains an AONB recognition it includes a range of benefits for the area including preservation and enhancement of the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, stunning vistas, and tranquillity – protecting it for future generations.
AONBs are known to help stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable local tourism in the area as well, which is great for the local communities. The consultation started on the 8th October and will run for 12 weeks. Interested parties can share their views on the proposal – and learn more about what it will entail.
What area of the Yorkshire Wolds does the proposal include?
The proposal for the Yorkshire Wolds AONB includes two areas. Firstly, the inland area that is made up of elevated chalk wolds and valleys from Goodmanham in East Yorkshire round to Folkton in North Yorkshire. It also stretches from the west Howardian Hills AOND along the Derwent Gorge to the valleys of Langtoft in the East.
Also, a coastal area including the Flamborough Headland – from The Speeton Hills around Reighton in the north to the Sewerby Cliffs in the south.
Cllr Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader, said: “I’m delighted that the Yorkshire Wolds, a large part of which is situated in East Riding, are being considered for national level designation. We are very lucky to have a range of fabulous natural assets from the Wolds to the coast, which attracts millions of visitors each year. It is fantastic to see the area, with its outstanding natural beauty, considered for such a significant status.”
Paul Duncan, Deputy Director for Natural England, also weighed in: “The Yorkshire Wolds is a truly special area, and it is important that everyone, including people who live in and around the community, has their say in this national designation project.
“We’re inviting anyone interested in this fantastic landscape to take the time to examine the proposals and provide their views and comments about the natural beauty of the Wolds, its condition, natural and cultural heritage, and scenic qualities.
“You can also comment on the desirability of the designation and the proposed boundary. Evidence that you provide could be vital in helping us refine our proposals.”
For events, documentation and more information about the designation process you can visit the website here. Other ways include sending an email to YorksWoldsDesignationProject@naturalengland.org.uk or calling 0300 060 3900.
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Feature Image Credit: East Riding Of Yorkshire Council
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