The Yorkshire Wolds, located across East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, are made up of undulating chalk hills. Plans to designate the area — along with a section of the coast — as an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB), formally known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are now in the final stages and have received overwhelming support.
If it becomes an AONB, the designation would bring benefits including the preservation and enhancement of the area’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, stunning vistas and tranquillity — helping to protect it for future generations. Natural England intends to recommend around 180 sq miles (465 sq km) of the Yorkshire Wolds for designation as a National Landscape.
If the proposal goes ahead, the AONB would cover about 180 sq miles (465 sq km), and the Yorkshire Wolds would become England’s 47th National Landscape.
The area is home to a lesser-known National Trail known as The Yorkshire Wolds Way, the route spans across some of East Yorkshire’s most glorious villages, meandering along up to North Yorkshire and stopping just before York. Coming from the Wolds ourselves, we’ve never quite appreciated how much beauty there is around us, but upon discovering this trail – it led us on a journey through childhood. Of little memories pieced together like a jigsaw puzzle, from visiting some of these places along the trail.
What would make up the Yorkshire Wolds National Landscape?
AONBs are known to help stimulate economic growth and promote sustainable local tourism, which is great news for local communities.
Inland, the area would include the Wolds’ north and west slopes, the foothills south of Malton, and the High Wolds and their valleys. The coastal section would include areas around Flamborough Head, from Reighton to Sewerby Rocks.
All submissions must be received by midnight on Friday 6 March.
Paul Duncan, Deputy Director for Natural England in Yorkshire, said: “This marks an important milestone in recognising and protecting one of England’s most distinctive landscapes. All responses will be carefully considered before any final decision is submitted to the Secretary of State for their consideration.”
You can find out more via the government website here.
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