Natural England have announced two key milestones relating to the proposal to designate a new Yorkshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The agency has published its consultation response analysis report which reviews the evidence received during the public consultation. The report found that 78% of respondents stated that they agreed that the proposed inland area should be designated as an AONB, and 85% agreed for the Coastal Area.
Formal responses were also received from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, North Yorkshire Council, Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority; and York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, who all indicated a broad level of in-principle support for the proposed areas for designation and a desire to see land designated.
Natural England states 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.
Natural England has also given notice of its statutory notice period enabling anyone to view the proposals and make representations, if they wish, in relation to that proposal. Representations can be submitted via email to: YorksWoldsDesignationProject@naturalengland.org.uk, or via letter to Yorkshrie Wolds AONB, PO Box 351, Holmfirth, HD9 9A, and the notice period will close at midnight on Friday 6 March 2026.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport said “It’s fantastic news that the Yorkshires Wolds are moving a step closure towards the designation of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We have an abundance of stunning natural landscapes that attract millions of visitors a year, and we will continue to work with Natural England to support the region and advocate for its recognition.”
• The detailed Consultation Response Analysis Report can be viewed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/yorkshire-wolds-area-of-outstanding-natural-beauty-proposed-designation.
Printed copies of the Notice, maps and technical assessments, including a summary of how these assessments have changed in response to the consultation, are also available to view at a small number of offices and local libraries, the locations of which are advertised on the Notice : https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/yorkshire-wolds-area-of-outstanding-natural-beauty-proposed-designation
The technical assessments (Natural Beauty, Desirability and Boundary) and a summary of the Consultation Response Analysis Report along with information concerning the remaining steps of this project can be viewed and downloaded at https://consult.defra.gov.uk/ne-landscape-heritage-and-geodiversity-team/yorkshire-wolds-designation/
