More than one-third of the South West merits special protection because of its exceptional beauty. The environment is recognised as one of the region’s key strengths, with the potential to contribute even further to the economic, social and sustaina...

Finest Countryside

Ladram Rocks, East Devon AONB and Jurassic Coast

More than one-third of the South West merits special protection because of its exceptional beauty. The environment is recognised as one of the region’s key strengths, with the potential to contribute even further to the economic, social and sustainable development of the region.

 

Eggardon Hill Fort
A region of distinction
The South West includes England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (the Quantock Hills, given AONB status in 1953), the nation’s first mainland natural World Heritage site (the Devon/Dorset Jurassic Coast, designated in 2001), Britain’s first Biosphere (Braunton Burrows, North Devon in 2002) and two-thirds of England’s Heritage Coasts. more
Path through woods, East Devon
Our work in the region
Our challenge is to protect the landscape's fundamental beauty, ecology, heritage, natural resources and special character for present and future generations. Yet we must also allow them to continue to evolve to meet the needs of the people who live and work in them and leisure users. more