Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive chronological narrative of the development of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England from 1930 to 2025. It outlines key dates, drivers, reports, and legislation that have shaped the designation and management of these protected landscapes, with a particular focus on the Cornwall AONB. The paper also examines the reasons for Cornwall's exclusion from National Park status as per the Hobhouse Report and discusses the recent rebranding of Cornwall AONB to Cornwall National Landscape.
Introduction The concept of conserving England's most picturesque landscapes has evolved significantly over the past century. From early conservation efforts to the establishment of formal designations, the journey reflects changing societal values towards natural beauty and environmental stewardship. This paper traces the development of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England, highlighting pivotal moments, influential reports, and legislative milestones. Special attention is given to Cornwall, exploring its unique landscape and the factors influencing its conservation status.
Early Conservation Efforts (1930-1949) The early 20th century witnessed growing public concern over the preservation of England's natural landscapes. The 1931 report by the National Park Committee, chaired by Christopher Addison, was among the first to recommend the establishment of national parks in England and Wales. However, it wasn't until John Dower's 1945 report, National Parks in England and Wales, that a concrete framework was proposed. Dower emphasised the need for areas of "outstanding natural beauty" to be preserved for public enjoyment and outlined criteria for their selection.
John Dower (1900–1947) was an influential British architect and planner whose work was instrumental in shaping the National Parks movement in England and Wales. He was appointed as an advisor to the post-war government to assess the feasibility of establishing National Parks, leading to the publication of the 1945 report, National Parks in England and Wales. His vision was rooted in the belief that areas of natural beauty should be preserved for public enjoyment, balancing conservation with recreational access.
Key Drivers Behind the 1945 National Parks Report
The primary motivations behind Dower’s report included:
- Preservation of Natural Beauty – Recognising the growing threat of urban expansion, industrialisation, and post-war reconstruction, the report sought to safeguard landscapes of national importance.
- Public Recreation and Health – The war underscored the need for open spaces to enhance public well-being, promoting access to scenic landscapes.
- Legislative and Policy Precedents – Previous conservation efforts, such as the establishment of the National Trust and the 1931 Addison Committee’s recommendations, provided a foundation for the National Parks initiative.
- Economic and Social Benefits – National Parks were envisioned to stimulate rural economies through tourism while maintaining traditional livelihoods such as farming and forestry.
Key Recommendations from the 1945 Report
Dower’s report made several recommendations:
- Designation of National Parks – Identification of Class A priority areas, including the Lake District, Snowdonia, Cornwall, Dartmoor, and the Peak District, as suitable for National Park status.
- Public Access and Recreation – Ensuring rights of way and maintaining open access for walkers and nature enthusiasts.
- Conservation Measures – Protection of landscapes from inappropriate development, including mining, large-scale agriculture, and industrialisation.
- Planning and Management – The establishment of an independent authority responsible for overseeing the administration and protection of National Parks.
- Legislative Framework – Introduction of policies to balance conservation with sustainable economic activities.
Cornwall’s Inclusion in the Dower Report
John Dower acknowledged Cornwall’s exceptional scenic beauty, recognising its national significance due to:
- Diverse Landscapes – Rugged cliffs, rolling moorlands (notably Bodmin Moor), and picturesque rural settings.
- Cultural and Historical Value – A rich mining heritage and historic settlements that added to its character.
- Tourism and Recreation – Cornwall was already a popular destination, aligning with the aims of National Parks to promote public enjoyment.
The Hobhouse Report and the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949
Building upon Dower's recommendations, the government appointed Sir Arthur Hobhouse to chair the National Parks Committee in 1947. The subsequent Hobhouse Report identified twelve areas suitable for national park designation and introduced the concept of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) for regions meriting protection but not meeting national park criteria. This led to the enactment of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act in 1949, which provided the legal framework for designating both National Parks and AONBs.
It was this report that recommended the exclusion of Cornwall from the list of National Parks. The report recognised the scenic qualities and recreational value Cornwall provided but felt that it should be omitted from the proposed list of National Parks and that an alternative form of protection could be offered through designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“The reason is not because we regard the scenic quality and recreational value of the Cornish Coastline as falling short of National Park standards on these grounds, it fully deserves its selection but on account of serious administrative difficulties in the way of its treatment as a National Park.” (Hobhouse report, 1947)
Cornwall's Exclusion from National Park Status Despite its outstanding natural beauty, Cornwall was excluded from national park designations for several reasons:
· Administrative Complexity: The fragmented nature of Cornwall’s most scenic areas made unified management challenging. Cornwall had 12 separate areas of Natural beauty identified, not geographically contiguously joined and dispersed from each other. In addition, Cornwall at that time had a Three-tier council structure with County, District, and Town/Parish Councils adding to a governance complexity.
· Economic Considerations: Concerns arose that national park status might impede economic activities such as agriculture, fishing, and mining, which were integral to Cornwall’s economy.
· Lack of Upland Terrain: Many of the designated national parks, such as the Lake District and Peak District, featured large upland areas suitable for extensive recreational activities. Cornwall’s landscape, while beautiful, did not align with this model. Only Bodmin Moor met this criterion the other areas were dominated by Coastal lowlands.
· Recreational Proximity: National parks were intended to provide areas of recreation adjacent to large conurbations, whereas the twelve distinct areas of Cornwall's proposed national park were more widely dispersed and did not align with this principle.
Establishment and Evolution of AONBs (1950s-1990s) The 1950s marked the beginning of AONB designations, with the Gower Peninsula in South Wales becoming the first in 1956. Recognising the need for conservation, Cornwall was designated as an AONB in 1959. Covering 958 square kilometres, approximately one-third of Cornwall’s total land area, the AONB consists of twelve separate sections, including:
1. Hartland (Cornwall) Heritage Coast
2. Pentire Point to Widemouth
3. Camel Estuary
4. Trevaunance Cove to Trevose Head
5. St Agnes Heritage Coast
6. Godrevy to Portreath
7. West Penwith
8. South Coast Western
9. South Coast Central
10. South Coast Eastern
11. The Lizard Peninsula
12. Bodmin Moor
Unlike national parks, AONBs do not have their own planning authorities. Instead, their conservation and management rely on collaboration between local councils, landowners, and conservation groups (Bishop, 2002).
The Countryside Act of 1968 further strengthened the protection of these areas by enlarging the functions of the National Parks Commission and conferring new powers on local authorities for the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty.
The Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 A significant legislative milestone was the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000. This Act provided the public with the "right to roam" over mapped areas of open countryside and designated AONBs, ensuring their conservation and enhancing their natural beauty. It also placed a duty on public bodies to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of AONBs when performing their functions.
Recent Developments and the Rebranding to National Landscapes In 2019, the Glover Review called for a renewed vision for England's protected landscapes, emphasising the need for improved management and increased public engagement. One of its recommendations was to rename AONBs as "National Landscapes" to reflect their significance and enhance public recognition. Following this, in November 2023, AONBs in England and Wales adopted the National Landscapes name and began the process of rebranding.
Cornwall AONB embraced this change, rebranding as Cornwall National Landscape. This rebranding aims to elevate the profile of these areas, ensuring they receive the attention and resources necessary for their preservation and enhancement.
In 2023, Cornwall AONB underwent a significant rebranding and is now known as Cornwall National Landscape. This change was part of a national initiative to enhance the recognition of AONBs and reflect their significance on par with national parks (Glover, 2019). The rebranding aimed to:
- Emphasise the national importance of Cornwall’s landscape.
- Encourage greater public engagement with conservation efforts.
- Strengthen policies supporting biodiversity, heritage conservation, and climate adaptation.
The new title aligns with the government’s broader strategy for protected landscapes, as outlined in the Landscapes Review (2019), which recommended stronger protections and a unified approach to conservation (DEFRA, 2023).
The Cornwall National Landscape Five-Year Plan
As part of its rebranding, Cornwall National Landscape has introduced a comprehensive Five-Year Plan focusing on:
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Restoration projects aimed at increasing native habitats, tree planting initiatives, and marine conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Tourism: Encouraging eco-tourism and low-impact visitor experiences to balance conservation and economic benefits.
- Climate Change Adaptation: Strategies to address coastal erosion, flooding, and habitat loss caused by climate change.
- Community Involvement: Expanding education programs and volunteer opportunities to foster local engagement in conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Business Development: Partnering with local enterprises to promote green business practices, such as renewable energy initiatives, organic farming, and circular economy projects.
Conclusion The journey of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England reflects a dynamic interplay between conservation efforts, legislative frameworks, and societal values. From the early 20th century to the present, these landscapes have been recognised and protected for their intrinsic beauty and cultural significance. Cornwall's unique landscape, while not designated as a national park, has been duly acknowledged through its AONB status and recent rebranding as a National Landscape, ensuring its preservation for future generations. One is left to wonder that with Cornwall administratively now run by a Unitary Authority and the proposed plans for further regional devolution to Devon and Cornwall the decision to grant Cornwall National Park status may have been different than the decision made in 1949.
References
· Addison, C. (1931). National Park Committee Report. London: HMSO.
· Bishop, K. (2002). Managing Landscapes: The Role of AONBs in the UK. London: Routledge.
· Dower, J. (1945). National Parks in England and Wales. London: HMSO.
· Evans, D. (1997). Conserving Britain’s Landscapes: The Role of AONBs. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
· Glover, J. (2019). Landscapes Review: National Parks and AONBs. London: DEFRA.
· Harrison, R. (2010). The Changing Face of British Conservation: A Historical Perspective. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
· Hobhouse, A. (1947). Report of the National Parks Committee (England and Wales). London: HMSO.
· National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk
· Countryside Act (1968). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk
· Countryside and Rights of Way Act (2000). Available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk
· National Landscapes Announcement (2023). DEFRA Report. Available at: https://www.gov.uk
· Sturt, G. (2000). The Economic Impact of Conservation Designations on Rural Communities. London: Routledge.
