All designated
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming
National Landscapes, including two in Suffolk and Essex.
The Suffolk Coast &
Heaths AONB will become the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National
Landscape, reflecting the extension into Essex and the Stour estuary in
2020. Likewise, the Dedham Vale AONB is
now the Dedham Vale National Landscape. Both were designated as Areas of
Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1970.
The new name reflects their national importance; the vital contribution they
make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion
and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and
awareness for the work that they do.
This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully
realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how
thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring
ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate
change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing
people’s health and wellbeing.
National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural
solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new
brand underscores their commitment to redoubling their efforts and engaging
with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets
for nature in the sector and continue to work to meet them.
By 2030, National Landscapes aim that, within their boundaries: at least
200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas (Sites of Special
Scientific Interest or SSSIs), which equates to 1 ¼ times the size of London, will be in
favourable condition; 100,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of
SSSIs will be created or restored, which is roughly nine times the size of
Manchester; and 36,000 hectares of woodland, which is a little smaller than the
Isle of Wight, will have been planted or allowed to regenerate.
National Landscapes Partnerships will also focus on habitat restoration to
ensure the protection of some of our most endangered species and increase their
work to help more people to enjoy time spent in beautiful places.
Because of
their size and scope, National Landscapes are ideally positioned to address the
environmental issues the UK is facing. There are 46
Cllr James Finch, Chairman of the Dedham Vale National Landscape Partnership says:
“AONBs in Suffolk and Essex have helped
to conserve and enhance our special landscape and skyscape for more than 50
years, benefitting nature and the people who live, work, and visit the area.
The new
National Landscapes brand reflects the national significance of the area and
recognises the importance of the work undertaken across the Dedham Vale. As a
result of this national recognition, we look forward attracting even more
visitors to this beautiful area. To achieve this, we commit to maintaining the
balance between environment, people’s enjoyment, and economic growth by collaborating
with all our partners.”
Nick
Collinson, Chair of the Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National
Landscape Partnership says:
“National
Landscapes are for everybody and can play a significant part in delivering
gains for wildlife, support activity to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of
climate change, benefit human health and wellbeing, and drive economic
prosperity.
The Suffolk
& Essex Coast & Heaths is a nationally important area and our new
National Landscapes brand now reflects that. This is a fantastic day and this
change will help us to conserve and enhance the area for future generations to
cherish and enjoy.”
John
Watkins, Chief Executive of the
“For decades,
AONB teams have convened powerful partnerships which have placed them at the
forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but since
their initial designation, our country has changed immensely, as have the needs
and pressures on the environment and communities.
However, we
have great ambition as well as the commitment and readiness to care for and
protect these important places, whilst also extending a welcome to more people.
Our ambitious aims build on AONB teams’ long track record of successful
delivery for nature and people and we are confident that we will achieve them.
National Landscapes are the landscape designation for the 21 Century and
beyond.”
Tony Juniper, Chair of
Natural England says:
“For decades
the AONBs have helped protect the beauty of our finest landscapes. Today though
we need so much more from these wonderful places, helping us adapt to climate
change, catching carbon, restoring depleted wildlife and encouraging more
people outside, at the same time as producing food, sustaining local
communities and enhancing historic environments.
Modern
challenges require new approaches and today marks the beginning of a new
phase for our National Landscapes, as they strengthen their existing
partnerships, and forge new ones that will secure in perpetuity the huge range
of benefits that come from these special places. Big change has taken place
during the past 75 years and bigger changes still can be expected during the
decades ahead. Uniting the National Landscapes in this way is very
welcome and spells immense opportunity and great hope for the future.”
