National Parks

National Parks are extensive areas that have been designated (ie. given legal protection) because their natural beauty and the opportunities they provide for recreation are of national significance.

There are currently nine National Parks in England: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Northumberland, the North York Moors, the Peak District, the New Forest and the South Downs. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads has equivalent status.

The vast majority of land in English National Parks is in private ownership. Some land is owned and managed by public bodies such as the Forestry Commission and some by voluntary bodies such as the National Trust. Ownership of land remains unchanged if an area is designated. Any public body taking a decision in a National Park has a duty to have regard to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the National Park.

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are designated for the purpose of conserving and enhancing their natural beauty. Activities relating to the purpose of AONB designation are coordinated and led by local authorities, who have a legal responsibility to produce a management plan for the area. In carrying out this duty they often form wider partnerships with other organisations. Any public body taking a decision or undertaking activity that affects land in an AONB has a duty to have regard to natural beauty when carrying out their work.

Although they may fulfil a recreational role, AONBs do not have a recreation purpose. This is a key difference compared with National Parks. In contrast to National Parks, planning and development control in an AONB remains the responsibility of the local authorities. AONBs are funded by a contribution from the local authorities in the area and a grant from Natural England.

Natural England has considered whether any of the broad areas assessed by this project should be designated as an AONB (in particular the Orton Fells), but has concluded that National Park designation is more appropriate. More detailed information on how we reached this decision can be found in the Supporting Documents, which can be obtained from the Downloads page on this website.