Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales (original) (raw)

The Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales (AONB; Welsh: Ardaloedd o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol Cymru; AHNE or AOHNE) are areas of countryside that have been designated for statutory protection due to their significant landscape value in Wales. There are currently five areas designated, four wholly in Wales and another spanning the Wales-England border, accounting for 4% of Wales' land area. The responsibility of designating areas in recognition of their national importance is devolved to Wales and performed by Natural Resources Wales (formerly the Countryside Council for Wales), on behalf of the Welsh Government. The designation is also used in England, and Northern Ireland. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty enjoy levels of protection from development similar to those of Welsh n