Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Information

The Kent Downs AONB offers dramatic views, vibrant communities, a rich historic and cultural heritage and diverse wildlife and habitats. It is the eighth largest AONB and provides a wealth of opportunities for people to explore, enjoy and benefit from the outdoors including the magnificent North Downs Way National Trail. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designated exceptional landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty are precious enough to be safeguarded in the national interest. On par with National Parks, AONBs are protected and enhanced for nature, people, business and culture. No other country in the world has Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is a uniquely British designation that belongs to a worldwide Protected Landscape Family. The primary purpose of Kent Downs AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape and the Kent Downs AONB Management Plan sets out the vision of the future of this special landscape. We seek to ensure that the natural beauty and special character of the landscape are recognised, maintained and strengthened well into the future. The AONB also aims to do more than protect the landscape; it seeks to take account of the needs of land based and rural industries and of the economic and social needs of local communities. Local communities and collaborative partnerships have been central to the development of the Management Plan and take a vital role in its day-to-day delivery. Sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation should be met in a way that is consistent with the conservation of natural beauty and the needs of agriculture, forestry and other uses.