Senior North Yorkshire councillors have given their support to plans to designate the Yorkshire Wolds as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
North Yorkshire Council has formally written to Natural England to express its strong support for the designation.
If the idea goes ahead, the AONB would cover about 180 sq miles (465 sq km).
The inland area includes the Wolds’ north and west slopes, the foothills south of Malton and the High Wolds and their valleys.
The coastal area runs around Flamborough Head, from Reighton and Sewerby Rocks.
At a full council meeting today (WEDNESDAY), the chairman of the authority, Councillor George Jabbour, pledged to walk the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail next month to back proposals for the designation.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Jabbour described the Wolds as “a breathtaking landscape with rich cultural heritage” and said AONB status would help safeguard its unique character for future generations.
He added that walking the trail would not only demonstrate his backing for the bid but also provide an opportunity to celebrate the area and engage with communities along the route.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – also known as National Landscapes – are protected by law to conserve and enhance natural beauty, placing them among the most valued countryside designations in the country.
Council leader, Councillor Carl Les, said the Yorkshire Wolds’ chalk landscapes, rolling hills and archaeological significance make it “an irreplaceable asset”.
He added: “Formal designation would ensure the appropriate long-term stewardship of these features, with clear benefits to nature recovery, climate resilience, and landscape-scale conservation.
“This aligns closely with North Yorkshire Council’s ambitions for a greener, fairer, and stronger region, and our commitments under national and local environmental strategies.”
Executive member for managing the environment, Councillor Richard Foster, added that the designation could also bring economic benefits.
“An AONB designation would help unlock further opportunities for responsible economic growth, improved access to green spaces, and enhanced well-being for our residents and visitors alike.
“It would also support local communities and land managers through strengthened partnerships, broader funding opportunities, and coordinated landscape management.”
A decision on the proposed designation will ultimately rest with Natural England following further assessment and consultation.
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