Yorkshire Wolds Proposed National Landscape Designation

The Yorkshire Wolds Proposed Designation as a National Landscape (NL) – formerly known as Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – has entered a critical stage in the designation process, with the public consultation now open. This initiative provides an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to share their views on the potential designation of the Yorkshire Wolds NL

Consultation Overview

The consultation is designed to gather feedback on the proposal to designate specific areas of the Yorkshire Wolds as an NL, a status aimed at conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of these landscapes. The consultation runs from October 8, 2024, to midnight on January 13, 2025, and offers several ways for the public to participate, including an online survey, email, or postal submissions.

All relevant documents, including technical assessments and boundary maps, are available online, with hard copies accessible at designated locations. Additionally, a series of online webinars and in-person events will provide further information and allow for direct engagement with the project team.

Background on the NL Designation

The designation of an NL is a statutory process overseen by Natural England, the public body responsible for protecting England’s natural environment. AONBs, now referred to as National Landscapes, are designated under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act) to safeguard areas of exceptional natural beauty.

The proposal for the Yorkshire Wolds NL has been under consideration for several years. Following a request from East Riding of Yorkshire Council in 2013 and subsequent delays, Natural England resumed the project in 2021 as part of a broader program to designate new National Landscapes. Detailed technical assessments and stakeholder engagement have since shaped the current proposals.

Proposed Areas for Designation

The draft proposal identifies two key areas for inclusion in the NL:

1. Inland Area: This includes an arc of chalk wolds and valleys stretching from Goodmanham to Folkton, connecting with the Howardian Hills NL and extending to Langtoft.
2. Coastal Area: This encompasses the Flamborough Headland and its immediate hinterland, from the Speeton Hills to the Sewerby Cliffs.

These areas have been selected based on their natural beauty and alignment with statutory criteria for NL designation.

How to Participate

Participants are encouraged to review the Consultation Pack and supporting documents before submitting their feedback. Key materials include:

• Natural Beauty Assessment
• Desirability Assessment
• Boundary Assessment and Maps

Responses can be submitted via the online form on the project website, or through email and postal options provided. Additional evidence, such as maps or photographs, can also be submitted.

Details and recordings are available on the project webpage. 

Next Steps

Following the consultation, Natural England will analyze the responses and refine the proposals as necessary. If the project progresses, it will move to formal stages, including the issuance of a draft designation order and a statutory Notice period. The final decision on designation rests with the Secretary of State, who may confirm the order with or without amendments.

Why Your Input Matters

This consultation is a unique opportunity to shape the future of the Yorkshire Wolds and ensure its landscapes are preserved for generations to come. Public input will play a vital role in determining whether these areas meet the criteria for NL designation and how the boundaries should be defined.

For more information and to participate in the consultation, visit the official project webpage.

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