area of outstanding natural beauty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Official, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “area of outstanding natural beauty” mean?
A designated geographical region in the United Kingdom recognized and protected for its exceptional landscape quality.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A designated geographical region in the United Kingdom recognized and protected for its exceptional landscape quality.
A legal designation (AONB) in UK planning law for conservation of scenic rural areas; by extension, any region of exceptional scenic value deserving of protection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is a specific UK legal and planning designation. The US has no direct equivalent, though 'National Scenic Area' or parts of the 'National Park System' serve a similar function. Americans would understand it descriptively but not as a formal term.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of legal protection, planning restrictions, and national heritage. In the US, if used, it would be purely descriptive.
Frequency
High frequency in UK official, environmental, and travel contexts. Very low frequency in American English, except in discussions of UK geography.
Grammar
How to Use “area of outstanding natural beauty” in a Sentence
The [Place Name] is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.We are hiking in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Development is restricted in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “area of outstanding natural beauty” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council aims to **conserve** the area of outstanding natural beauty.
- They are working to **preserve** the landscape.
American English
- The community fought to **protect** the scenic area.
- They lobbied to **designate** the region.
adverb
British English
- The land is **legally** protected as an AONB.
- The area is **officially** designated.
American English
- The region is **formally** recognized for its beauty.
- The views are **exceptionally** beautiful.
adjective
British English
- The **AONB** status brings certain protections.
- It is a **protected** landscape.
American English
- It is a **scenic** area under state law.
- The **preserved** coastline is magnificent.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Tourism businesses often promote their location within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Academic
The study analysed the planning policy effectiveness within several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Everyday
We're going on holiday to the Cotswolds, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Technical
The AONB designation is made under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “area of outstanding natural beauty”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “area of outstanding natural beauty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “area of outstanding natural beauty”
- Using lowercase for the full term when referring to the official designation (incorrect: 'an area of outstanding natural beauty'; correct: 'an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty').
- Using the term for any beautiful place, rather than the specific UK legal category.
- Confusing it with a 'National Park' (e.g., the Lake District is a National Park, not an AONB).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both protect beautiful landscapes, UK National Parks have their own planning authorities and broader remits for promoting public enjoyment. AONBs are primarily about landscape conservation and are managed through local planning authorities.
Yes, but it is much more restricted. Planning permission is required and developments must demonstrate they do not harm the natural beauty or character of the area. It is generally harder to get permission for large or intrusive developments.
In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the relevant government body (e.g., Natural England) designates AONBs. In Scotland, the equivalent designation is a 'National Scenic Area' (NSA).
There are 46 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK (33 in England, 4 in Wales, 1 in Northern Ireland, and 8 in Scotland under the NSA title). They cover about 15% of the UK's land area.
A designated geographical region in the United Kingdom recognized and protected for its exceptional landscape quality.
Area of outstanding natural beauty is usually formal, official, geographical in register.
Area of outstanding natural beauty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈeə.ri.ə əv ˌaʊtˈstæn.dɪŋ ˈnætʃ.ər.əl ˈbjuː.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈer.i.ə əv ˌaʊtˈstæn.dɪŋ ˈnætʃ.ɚ.əl ˈbjuː.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A designated gem (of the countryside)”
- “A landscape in trust”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AONB: Always Observe Natural Beauty. It's an Official Notice for Beautiful places.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE COUNTRYSIDE IS A TREASURE (to be protected and conserved).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) designation in the UK?