Name change for Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
It's come into effect today (22nd November)
All designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming National Landscapes from today (Wednesday 22nd November).
That includes what's now the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, which stretches across South and West Wiltshire and into North Dorset.
The new name is said to reflect their national importance; 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.
There are 46 National Landscapes in the UK, covering 14% of England, Wales and Northern Ireland - while 66% of people in England (44 million) live within 30 minutes of a National Landscape and at least 170 million people visit them every year.
Linda Nunn, Lead Officer for Cranborne Chase National Landscape said:
“The very distinctive, diverse and cherished landscapes of Cranborne Chase continues to be nurtured and enhanced by the many hundreds of farmers and landowners who are stewards of this unique National Landscape. Whilst the team has always worked closely with the farming community, the Defra funded ‘Farming in Protected Landscapes’ (FiPL) programme has enabled us to offer grants of over £1million since 2021 to farmers for 85 innovative projects, proposed by themselves, to greatly enhance their land within the themes of Nature, Climate, People and Place.
"The Cranborne Chase National Landscape team will continue to engage with farmers, local communities and visitors to ensure this much loved nationally designated area is conserved, enhanced and enjoyed into the future.”