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Wolds could be Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Martin Dawes / Geograph A solitary hiker walks through a grass-lined valley on the Yorkshire Wolds Way near Holm DaleMartin Dawes / Geograph
The area is home to a long-distance walking trail the Yorkshire Wolds Way

A consultation has started on whether the Yorkshire Wolds should be made an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The chalk hills run from the Vale of York in North Yorkshire to the East Yorkshire coast.

Based on public feedback, Natural England could ask the government to designate it as an AONB.

If approved, it would mean the area would be given some legal protection covering development and conservation.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council leader Anne Handley said she was "delighted" the area was under consideration.

"We are very lucky to have a range of fabulous natural assets from the Wolds to the coast, which attracts millions of visitors each year," she said.

"It is fantastic to see the area, with its outstanding natural beauty, considered for such a significant status."

Christine Johnstone / Geograph A view of a grassed valley near Thixendale with bare-branched trees in the foregroundChristine Johnstone / Geograph
The chalk hills stretch from the Vale of York to the East Yorkshire coast

The proposals would create an AONB of approximately 180 sq miles (465 sq km).

Natural England said the area included "dramatic steep sided dry valleys, high but gentle escarpments, dramatic coastal cliffs, and open, rolling agricultural plateaus."

It added: "Natural and cultural heritage in the area includes ancient woodland, species rich grasslands, chalk streams, Iron Age settlements, abandoned Medieval villages and Georgian manors and parkland."

Andy Stephenson / Geograph A sculpture of tree trunks frames a walker with a view of the Yorkshire Wolds stretching away in the distance Andy Stephenson / Geograph
A public consultation is under way over plans to make the Yorkshire Wolds an AONB

The area is home to a long distance walking trail and many places have featured in the work of artist David Hockney.

Paul Duncan, deputy director for Natural England, said: “The Yorkshire Wolds is a truly special area, and it is important that everyone, including people who live in and around the community, has their say in this national designation project."

The organisation will be holding a number of drop-in events across East and North Yorkshire.

Details and copies of the consultation documents are available at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs website.

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