National Landscape

For those in Finland, see National landscapes of Finland. "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty" redirects here. For those in Northern Ireland, see Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (Northern Ireland).

A National Landscape (Welsh: Tirwedd Cenedlaethol), formally and formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB; Welsh: Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol, AHNE), is one of 38 areas of countryside in England and Wales that has been designated for conservation due to its significant landscape value. They adopted their current name in 2023.

Areas are designated in recognition of their national importance by the relevant public body: Natural England or Natural Resources Wales, respectively. On 22 November 2023, following a review, the AONBs in England and Wales adopted the National Landscapes name, and are in the process of rebranding. The name "area of outstanding natural beauty" is still the designated legal term.

Northern Ireland has eight areas that maintain the name "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty", as the renaming did not apply to Northern Ireland which is under different legislation. Scotland uses the similar national scenic area (NSA) designation.

National Landscapes enjoy levels of protection from development similar to those of UK national parks, but unlike national parks the responsible bodies do not have their own planning powers. They also differ from national parks in their more limited opportunities for extensive outdoor recreation.

There are 38 National Landscapes, 33 wholly in England, four wholly in Wales and one on the England–Wales border, as well as a further eight AONBs in Northern Ireland.

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