‘This is another important step in putting East Yorkshire firmly on the tourism map’
Millington Dale: a dry chalk valley in the East Yorkshire Wolds, part of a landscape that could become an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty(Image: East Riding Council)
A new Yorkshire Wolds ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ (AONB) could be created after an official organisation submitted a bid to the government. Natural England has submitted the proposal to Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Dame Angela Eagle.
If the bid is successful, it will designate the Yorkshire Wolds as an AONB which will ensure legal protection and conservation of the region’s landscape, wildlife, and heritage. This will, in particular, protect planning and development in the much-loved part of East Yorkshire.
The new designation, which would officially make the Yorkshire Wolds a ‘National Landscape’, would give local authorities greater weight in protecting scenic beauty, meaning major building projects are much harder to get approved. It would also benefit from the potential of bespoke management plans and coordinated partnerships to restore habitats, protect rare species, and fight biodiversity loss.
The proposal could also carefully balance environmental care with the social and economic needs of rural communities, supporting sustainable farming, forestry, and rural jobs. There could be a big economic boost for East Yorkshire through increased tourism too. AONBs are better placed to promote walking and outdoor pursuits, bringing visitors and financial support to local businesses while protecting the environment from overuse.
A ‘stunning’ area of natural landscapes
Councillor Anne Handley, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Leader welcomed the progress and said: “This is a key milestone, and we’re delighted that Natural England are submitting it to the Secretary of State. The Yorkshire Wolds are a stunning area of natural landscapes that fully deserve national recognition.”
The Secretary of State may confirm the order as submitted, or make changes or refuse it, pending a public inquiry. If the Secretary of State approves the order, then the designation will come into force.
Natural England’s submission follows an extensive statutory process, a consultation with residents and communities, and a review of evidence. In its consultation response analysis report, they found that 78% of respondents to the consultation stated that they agreed that the proposed inland area should be designated as an AONB, and 85% agreed for the Coastal Area.
Natural England stated that there is a clear weight of evidence that the proposed Inland and Coastal Areas meet the criterion of outstanding natural beauty required for AONB designation and that, where minor boundary refinements are required, they are appropriate.
A huge development for tourism
The news could be transformational for the region’s growing tourism industry and would connect the Yorkshire Wolds with new audiences, according to Chris Blacksell, Visit Hull & East Yorkshire advisory board chair.
He said: “Achieving Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status for the Yorkshire Wolds would be a hugely positive development for tourism across Hull and East Yorkshire. Our visitor economy is worth around £1 billion to the local economy, and the Yorkshire Wolds are an important part of what makes our destination so distinctive and appealing to visitors. The landscapes, villages, walking and cycling opportunities, local food and drink and wealth of experiences across the Wolds provide an important complement to the attractions of Hull and our coastal communities.”
AONB designations can boost destinations, helping to raise their profile, strengthen their appeal and encourage visitors to discover areas they may not previously have considered, Mr Blacksell explained. He added: “We look forward to working closely with tourism businesses and partners across the Yorkshire Wolds to responsibly share the beauty and character of this special part of East Yorkshire with many more visitors, ensuring that the benefits of increased tourism are felt by local communities and businesses. This is another important step in putting East Yorkshire firmly on the tourism map, and we look forward to seeing the opportunities that AONB status could bring.”
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