World & places · Evidence-backed
Cotswold Hills
The Cotswolds AONB is one of 34 protected landscapes in England. Designated in the mid-1960s, it is managed as a National Landscape following the 2023 rebranding, while retaining its statutory AONB status.
The Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England designated in August 1966 and now presented as a National Landscape. It is protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 for the conservation and enhancement of natural beauty, with Natural England holding designation and advice duties.
Designation date August 1966
The Cotswolds entry in the Natural England Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty dataset records an August 1966 designation date. The listing identifies the area as Cotswolds with the designation month and year shown as Aug-66. This places the Cotswolds among the earlier AONB designations in England. The dataset is maintained by Natural England and provides the official designation chronology for English AONBs.
Recorded area size
The ArcGIS open dataset for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty England lists the Cotswolds with a figure of 2,041.09. The entry appears alongside the designation date and the management website link. The figure is presented in the dataset’s area column for the Cotswolds AONB. The dataset is published by Natural England via Defra.
Management website
The Natural England dataset links the Cotswolds AONB to https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/. The URL is shown in the same row as the designation date and area figure for the Cotswolds. The site is the recognised online presence for the Cotswolds National Landscape management.
One of 34 AONBs in England
Government guidance states there are 34 AONBs in England. The Cotswolds is listed among the AONBs in the Natural England spatial dataset. Planning guidance also notes 34 National Landscapes in England, reflecting the same count after rebranding. The Cotswolds therefore forms one of the 34 protected landscapes.
Protected under Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
An area of outstanding natural beauty is land protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Act sets out roles and responsibilities for managing AONBs. Natural England’s powers to designate and vary AONB boundaries derive from the same Act. The Cotswolds AONB is therefore protected under this legislation.
Purpose is conservation and enhancement of natural beauty
The statutory purpose of an AONB is to conserve and enhance its natural beauty. Guidance notes the CROW Act protects land to conserve and enhance natural beauty. Planning guidance repeats that the purpose of designation is conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. This applies to the Cotswolds as an AONB.
Natural England designation powers
Under the CROW Act Natural England can make orders to designate AONBs or vary boundaries of existing ones. The power applies to England only. Natural England also has a duty to give advice on developments in an AONB and to consider conservation and enhancement in its work. These powers cover the Cotswolds.
Rebranded as National Landscape in 2023
AONBs in England and Wales adopted the National Landscapes name in 2023 following a review. Wikipedia notes the current name was adopted in 2023 and rebranding is in process. Planning guidance confirms the National Landscapes name was introduced in England in November 2023. The Cotswolds is now presented as a National Landscape.
Legal term remains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Although the public name changed, the legal designation remains Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wikipedia states the name area of outstanding natural beauty is still the designated legal term. Planning guidance notes the statutory designation used in legislation remains AONB. The Cotswolds retains this legal status.
Covers about 15% of England
Planning guidance notes there are 34 AONBs in England covering about 15% of the land area. The figure is given in the context of AONBs including well-known landscapes such as the Cotswolds. The Cotswolds contributes to this national coverage.
Every numbered claim above was required to carry source evidence before this topic could be published.