There’s no denying that the Yorkshire Wolds is an incredibly beautiful destination, and now, it could finally receive the recognition it deserves. Today, Natural England is announcing that the Yorkshire Wolds is going to be considered for status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
East Riding of Yorkshire Council is continuing their fight to have the area recognised as one of the country’s areas of outstanding natural beauty, with their latest taking another step closer to fruition after the government’s pledge last year to increase the number of national parks and AONB’s across the country.
Where are the Yorkshire Wolds?
The Yorkshire Wolds are gently rolling hills in East Yorkshire that extend from the Humber Estuary to Flamborough Head and are full of some extravagant beauty, You can enjoy the 79-mile walk known as The Yorkshire Wolds Way where you can truly experience the wildlife, quaint villages and Market Towns of East Yorkshire.
Currently, the only areas of Yorkshire that are recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are Nidderdale and the Howardian Hills – which make up just two of 46 in the UK.
The areas are selected for conservation due to their beautiful, scenic landscapes – with many of them providing important habitat to much of the UK’s wildlife. The laws enforced are similar to those of national parks – however, AONB’s are generally run by local authorities.
The Yorkshire Wolds are widely known for providing inspiration to many of David Hockney’s works and provide beautiful scenes of Yorkshire that rival those of Nidderdale and the Yorkshire Dales. It is hoped the new AONB status could boost tourism in the area, as well as protect the land from development.
Paul Duncan, Area Director for Natural England said: “The Yorkshire Wolds is a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, valleys and open plateaux interspersed with ancient woodland, chalk streams, farm holdings and historic villages, extending north from the River Humber.
“The announcement that the Yorkshire Wolds may become one of our newest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is fantastic news for Yorkshire and North East England.
“If successful the Yorkshire Wolds would join the Nidderdale and Howardian Hills AONB in celebrating, protecting and enhancing Yorkshire’s beautiful landscape, helping to bring nature and people closer together.”
East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight said: “I am delighted with this announcement which now progresses the campaign to its final stage. It is clear to anyone living in, or visiting our region, that the Yorkshire Wolds and the surrounding area is outstandingly beautiful and this announcement is entirely appropriate, if overdue.
“The Yorkshire Wolds boast numerous characteristics which are of particular significance, including clear chalk streams, special geological features, and unspoiled landscapes which have inspired artists such as David Hockney.
This isn’t the first time that East Riding Council has attempted to make the stunning place an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – approaching Natural England about the designation back in 2013. It’s reported the protection was not provided due to budget cuts.
[Featured image: Unsplash]
Read more: North Yorkshire Moors Railway Is Receiving A Government Culture Recovery Fund
