Natural England has launched a public consultation on a proposal to designate part of the Yorkshire Wolds as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

A formal consultation will remain open for 14 weeks. Local authorities and all interested parties can comment on the proposed AONB and the evidence which supports it.

The plan to designate a Yorkshire Wolds AONB is one of four new projects as part of a Government commitment to safeguard more of England’s landscapes for future generations.

The Yorkshire Wolds is known for dramatic steep sided dry valleys, high but gentle escarpments, dramatic coastal cliffs, and open, rolling agricultural plateaus.

Natural and cultural heritage in the area includes ancient woodland, species rich grasslands, chalk streams, Iron Age settlements, abandoned Medieval villages and Georgian manors and parkland. The Wolds also include a prominent chalk cliff and foothills rising from the Vale of York to the west and the Vale of Pickering to the north.

Officials say designating the landscape as an AONB could give improved access to nature for the benefit of people’s health and wellbeing, whilst AONBs can also boost economic growth and sustainable local tourism.

Paul Duncan, deputy director for Natural England, said: “The Yorkshire Wolds is a truly special area, and it is important that everyone, including people who live in and around the community, has their say in this national designation project.

“We’re inviting anyone interested in this fantastic landscape to take the time to examine the proposals and provide their views and comments about the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Wolds, its condition, natural and cultural heritage, and scenic qualities. You can also comment on the desirability of the designation and the proposed boundary. Evidence that you provide could be vital in helping us refine our proposals.”

Shaun Berry, head of environment and sustainability of North Yorkshire County Council, added: “We know how important North Yorkshire’s beautiful natural landscape is, to the people who live and work in and around it, those who visit from across the UK and the world and the businesses that serve those visitors. We already see these benefits in the county’s two National Parks and other areas of outstanding natural beauty in Nidderdale, the Howardian Hills and the Forest of Bowland, so I urge local people to have their say about this opportunity.”

There will be a number of drop-in events and webinars to show the proposals and explain how people can have their say. Details of these events, along with copies of the consultation documents, information about the designation process and what an AONB means are available to view and download on the consultation website https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ne-landscape-heritage-and-geodiversity-team/yorkshire-wolds-designation/.

People will also have the chance to view the documents at the drop in events and in a small number of local libraries and local authority offices, details of which are on the website.

Paper copies of the consultation pack can be requested by emailing the Natural England designation team on YorksWoldsDesignationProject@naturalengland.org.uk or telephoning 0300 060 3900.

Once the consultation period has closed, (at midnight on January 13, 2025) Natural England will assess the feedback and make any amendments. The Natural England board will then consider whether to approve a draft designation order to designate a Yorkshire Wolds AONB.