The Isles of Scilly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Scilly’s distinctive and exceptional landscape, seascape, habitats and historic features are of national significance. Collectively they represent one of the Country’s finest landscapes and are worthy of designation and protection as an AONB.
The AONB Designation
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) were created by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and, along with National Parks, they represent the finest examples of countryside in England and Wales. The Isles of Scilly were designated an AONB in 1975.
The Isles of Scilly are the smallest AONB designation in the UK. However, the Islands possess a diversity of scenery that belies their small scale. Panoramas of sea and sky are punctuated by lenses of low-lying land. The archipelago combines rugged granite cliffs and headlands, sparkling sandy bays, hidden coves shifting dunes and saline lagoons. Over 6,000 years of human occupation has led to the development of the lowland heath, enclosed pasture, hedged bulb-strips, small harbours' and quays, and scattered rural settlement punctuated by tiny townships.
The AONB designation recognises that people are an important part of the landscape, ensuring that its resources are protected, managed and capable of evolving in a sustainable way. Indeed landscape conservation and economic prosperity are inseparably tied in Scilly.
AONB Management Plan
Every AONB in England and Wales is required by law to have a Management Plan. In accordance with the Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000, the Isles of Scilly AONB Management Plan seeks to secure the conservation and enhancement of the AONB landscape and to support the social, economic and cultural well-being of its communities and visitors.
The local authority, the Council of the Isles of Scilly, is responsible for producing and reviewing the AONB Management Plan. The implementation of the Plan is managed through the AONB Partnership.
Objectives of the Management Plan will be met through the development and implementation of a Delivery Plan. The delivery plan comprises actions that allow the AONB Partnership to deliver one or more Management Plan policy.
The AONB Partnership
The Partnership comprises organisations and individuals who work together to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the AONB. The Partnerships work is overseen by a Joint Advisory Committee (JAC). The JAC coordinates the implementation of the Management Plan by facilitating collaborative work that delivers the plans objectives.
Please visit the Isles of Scilly AONB Opens in a new window website for more information.
Email: aonb@scilly.gov.uk / Phone: 01720 424315
Relevant links
Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust Opens in a new window
Natural England Opens in a new window
Defra Opens in a new window
National Association for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Opens in a new window
