21 Nov Welcome to South Devon National Landscape

Today marks the start of a new chapter in the story of designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales as they are renamed National Landscapes

Our patron Jonathan Dimbleby says

“A new name must not merely be a re-brand, a cosmetic change. It must be significant, signalling a new chapter and drawing attention to a new era. The words National Landscape make this clear. These areas are treasured and they matter to all of us and to our future on a fragile planet. In  South Devon, where so much of the National Landscape is farmed, the need to grow food and to provide livelihoods while taking practical steps to enhance the environment – ‘regenerative’ methods of production and tree-planting for example – is of vital importance. The ‘Farming in Protected Landscape Programme’ can make a real difference.   The family of 46 National Landscapes in the UK will create a united identity across the network and a stronger case for funding opportunities whilst making everyone welcome. We should all get involved.”

The new name reflects our national importance: the vital contribution we make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work of the whole National Landscapes family.

This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising our vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.

National Landscapes are places where people live and work and come to breathe. Places where our stories come to life.

Discover the story of the UK’s National Landscapes and find out more about the work they do at www.national-landscapes.org.uk.