Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

In 1957, a large part of the Llŷn Peninsula was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.The primary purpose of the AONB designation is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area, which includes protecting flora, fauna and geological as well as landscape features.

The landscape has also been shaped by man, and it is paramount that archaeological, historic remains and architectural features are protected. The designation also creates a responsibility to provide for a quiet enjoyment of the countryside and having regard for the interests of those who live and work there.

Each AONB relies on planning controls and practical countryside management to achieve these aims, along with the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, that introduced new powers to help protect these precious landscapes, and made it compulsory that every AONB should have its own unique management plan. 

The Countryside Council for Wales has overall responsibility for AONBs in the national context but they are managed by Local Authorities with the support of Joint Advisory Committees (JAC), local communities and partnerships.

Management Plan

As well as environmental protection and management, the plan must take into account the social well-being and economic needs of the area it serves. It should also aim to promote and encourage actions that will improve the state of a particular resource or special quality or increase its extent.

Here on Llŷn we are in the process of reviewing our initial Plan which was adopted in 2005. Management Plans need to regard AONBs as living landscapes, places where people live and work as well as places people visit and come to enjoy. The Llŷn AONB plan sets out a clear vision for its future management, including a list of aims and objectives and a detailed action plan for work to be undertaken.

Facts & Figures

  • Llŷn is one of only 5 designated AONB's in Wales.
  • The logo for the AONB shows a Chough.
  • This bird favours the peninsula's rocky coastline where there are around 60 nesting pairs.
  • The AONB covers 155Km2 on the Peninsula.
  • The 2001 census showed the AONB's population as 6,502, with 70% of this number Welsh speaking.

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