The Yorkshire Wolds – will AONB status help put it on the tourist map?

April 1, 2022

Oil seed rape fields Yorkshire Wolds

When you ask people about Yorkshire, many will know about our two national parks – The Yorkshire Dales and The North York Moors, but the Yorkshire Wolds never seems to get the recognition it deserves.

This could soon be set to change with last year’s announcement by Natural England that The Yorkshire Wolds was being considered as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The drive for this recognition is being supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Even many Yorkshire folk are unfamiliar with the area – so where are the Yorkshire Wolds?

The Wolds are an area of chalk upland and gently rolling hills which extend from the Humber Estuary to Flamborough Head, containing dry valleys, quaint historic villages, ancient woodland, farm holdings and East Riding market towns. The area has recently inspired Yorkshire artist David Hockney who has painted many of its landscapes.

There are already 46 AONB’s in England (and two in Yorkshire – Nidderdale & the Howardian Hills). Areas are chosen to be given this status due to their beautiful landscapes and important wildlife habitats. They tend to have similar rules to national parks but are generally managed by local authorities and would provide greater protections for future generations.

East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight is delighted with this announcement which now progresses the campaign to its final stage.

“It is clear to anyone living in, or visiting our region, that the Yorkshire Wolds and the surrounding area is outstandingly beautiful and this announcement is entirely appropriate, if overdue”.

AONBs tend to bring in benefits such as increased tourism and gives the local authority a duty to manage the area. It is also considered to give authorities greater powers to restrict unwelcome developments.

The Chair of Natural England Tony Juniper said: “The announcement signals an ambitious step forward in growing our family of precious national landscapes, as well as protecting and improving the ones we have.

“One thing that has become very apparent recently, and especially during the pandemic, is the enormous benefit people get from having access to beautiful nature-rich landscapes.

Let’s hope this new status goes through and as guides we get asked to show more visitors the beauty, history and heritage of this distinct and stunning landscape.

 

Contributed by Tim Barber – Yorkshire Blue Badge Guide

Tim Barber

Find a Guide

Recent Posts

A Very British Christmas – the iconic view of Knaresborough

A Very British Christmas – the iconic view of Knaresborough

This breathtaking view is of the river Nidd, taken from Knaresborough Castle. The name ‘Nidd’ dates back from Celtic times meaning ‘sparkling,’ and the reflection of the viaduct and neighbouring bankside buildings, enhances the beauty of this iconic scene. The eye is...

Celebrating 250 year of JMW Turner

Celebrating 250 year of JMW Turner

JMW Turner’s Yorkshire in 10 special places St George’s Day next 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Mallord William Turner, the son of a Covent Garden barber, who was described by art critic John Ruskin as ‘the greatest of the age’ and left a...

The Mystery of the Water Pump with No Handle

The Mystery of the Water Pump with No Handle

One of the pleasures of exploring York is the often unexpected and intriguing discovery of something interesting and decidedly unusual.  One such object can found in North Street Gardens by the banks of the River Ouse.  On first sight there appears to be a...

Browse the Member's Directory