North Devon AONB

North Devon AONB is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located in Devon, England, and is known for its diverse landscapes, including Exmoor National Park, the Taw Estuary, and the North Devon Coast. The area is characterized by its rugged coastline, scenic valleys, and rolling hills, making it a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts, such as David Attenborough and Bill Oddie. The AONB is managed by Natural England, in partnership with Devon County Council and North Devon Council, to conserve and protect its natural beauty and biodiversity, similar to other protected areas like Dartmoor National Park and Lake District National Park. The area is also home to several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), including the Braunton Burrows and the Northam Burrows, which are protected by English Nature and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Introduction

The North Devon AONB was designated in 1959, in recognition of its unique and diverse landscapes, which are similar to those found in other Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the United Kingdom, such as the Cornwall AONB and the Isle of Wight AONB. The area covers approximately 171 km², stretching from the Cornwall border in the west to the Exmoor National Park in the east, and is bounded by the Bristol Channel to the north and the Taw Estuary to the south. The AONB is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Dartford warbler and the Nightingale, which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Directive. The area is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous historic sites, including Tintagel Castle and Dunster Castle, which are managed by English Heritage and the National Trust.

Geography

The North Devon AONB is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include rugged coastline, scenic valleys, and rolling hills, similar to those found in other areas of Devon, such as the South Devon AONB and the East Devon AONB. The area is bounded by the Bristol Channel to the north and the Taw Estuary to the south, and is drained by several rivers, including the River Taw and the River Torridge, which are protected by the Environment Agency and the River Thames Basin. The AONB is also home to several islands, including Lundy Island, which is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts, such as Chris Packham and Steve Backshall. The area's geology is diverse, with several types of rock, including granite and limestone, which are similar to those found in other areas of the United Kingdom, such as the Peak District National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Wildlife and Conservation

The North Devon AONB is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species, such as the Red Kite and the Otter, which are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Habitats Directive. The area is also an important habitat for several species of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Goshawk, which are protected by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. The AONB is managed by Natural England, in partnership with Devon County Council and North Devon Council, to conserve and protect its natural beauty and biodiversity, similar to other protected areas like Dartmoor National Park and Lake District National Park. The area is also home to several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), including the Braunton Burrows and the Northam Burrows, which are protected by English Nature and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.

Tourism and Recreation

The North Devon AONB is a popular destination for tourists and nature enthusiasts, with several attractions, including the Exmoor National Park, the Taw Estuary, and the North Devon Coast, which are similar to those found in other areas of Devon, such as the South Devon AONB and the East Devon AONB. The area offers several outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and surfing, which are popular with tourists and locals alike, such as Ben Fogle and Helen Skelton. The AONB is also home to several historic sites, including Tintagel Castle and Dunster Castle, which are managed by English Heritage and the National Trust. The area is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with numerous festivals and events, including the Exmoor Festival and the North Devon Festival, which are organized by Devon County Council and North Devon Council.

History and Management

The North Devon AONB has a rich cultural heritage, with several historic sites, including Tintagel Castle and Dunster Castle, which are managed by English Heritage and the National Trust. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with several archaeological sites, including the Dolton and the Winkleigh, which are protected by English Heritage and the Council for British Archaeology. The AONB is managed by Natural England, in partnership with Devon County Council and North Devon Council, to conserve and protect its natural beauty and biodiversity, similar to other protected areas like Dartmoor National Park and Lake District National Park. The area is also home to several Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), including the Braunton Burrows and the Northam Burrows, which are protected by English Nature and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. The AONB is also part of the Natura 2000 network, which is a European Union initiative to protect and conserve natural habitats and species, similar to the Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive.

Category:Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England