Our finest countryside is subdivided between the designated National Parks, the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s) and defined Heritage Costs. The East Midlands has two national designated areas, the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB and the Peak Di...

Finest Countryside managed sustainably

AONB birthday cake. © The Countryside Agency
We aim to secure first class standards of management in all of England’s finest countryside as an inspiration for other areas. For operational purpose only, our finest countryside is subdivided between the designated National Parks, the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB’s) and defined Heritage Costs. The East Midlands has two national designated areas, the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB and the Peak District National Park.


Lincolnshire Wolds   – The Lincolnshire Wolds were designated as an AONB in 1973 and cover an area of 558sq.km, falling within Lincolnshire County Districts of East Lindsey and West Lindsey and a small section within North Lincolnshire. 

The present funders of the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB unit include: The Countryside Agency, East Lindsey DC, West Lindsey DC and Lincolnshire County Council.

The Peak District National Park – has the greatest number of visitors of all the National Parks in the UK, with latest estimated visitor days equaling 19 million. 

Natural England nationally advises Government on national park funding, known as the National Park Grant. The rest of park income is received from Local Authority contributions.