Overview

Welcome to the South Devon Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Explore the website to find out about one of Britain's finest landscapes and how we can work together to protect and enhance it. Distinctive features of the AONB include its rugged cliffs, sandy coves, peaceful countryside, pretty villages, patchwork fields, ancient orchards and woodlands, Devon hedges, narrow winding lanes and secretive estuaries.

It is also home to 34,000 people and is a thriving, dynamic work place, a centre for active and creative community life and a popular destination for visitors seeking rest, recreation and inspiration.

The 2008 South Devon AONB Annual Forum will be held at Yealmpton Community Centre, Yealmpton on Friday 17th October, 6.30 - 9pm.

The theme for the evening will be Planning for an outstanding future.  The discussion will centre on how development needs are addressed in a protected landscape to create a living working environment where landscape is seen as a driver, not as a handicap.

After the presentations there will be a panel discussion during which you will be welcome to ask questions of the panel of experts.

The Annual Forum is also an opportunity to hear about the progress of the Management Plan review, current work of the AONB unit, and talk to AONB partnership committee members.

RSVP 01803 861384 or email enquiries@southdevonaonb.org.uk by 13th October

Reviewing the AONB Management Plan

Your views are sought on the South Devon AONB Management Plan and our public consultation which opened on Friday 30th May 2008 will run until Wednesday 10th September 2008 to provide you with plenty of time to send in a response.  Visit the Management Plan pages to find out more about the review.

The AONB landscape, its distinctive features and communities have experienced a period of rapid change over recent years and the revised plan must take account of new pressures, legislaton, plans, strategies and programmes. 

Good progress is being made to review the current South Devon AONB Management Plan which will lead to a revised plan for 2009-14.  

Launch of the South Devon Walking Festival

Broadcaster Jonathan Dimbleby has launched the South Devon Walking festival in the beautiful grounds of the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth.   The Walking Festival organised by the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) takes place from September 26th – October 5th with over 40 walks taking in the fantastic landscape of the South Hams.

In launching the festival Jonathan said ‘I have walked in over 80 countries and I can honestly say that when I return to South Devon I cannot find anywhere that matches its beauty. Walking is so good for us in lots of ways and in this landscape we are spoilt for choice with the variety of fabulous coastline, estuaries, countryside, and villages.’

The walks will focus on the dramatic coast, estuaries, and countryside, over the ten day period, with a variety of themes from history and archaeology, to wildlife and local food.  

Walkers will be able to phone and book their walks in advance. There will also be a list of accommodation providers many of whom are offering special packages for the event some with walks included.  The Festival’s full programme and booking details will be available from a dedicated website www.southdevonwalkingfestival.co.uk and will also appear in full in the South Hams Gazette series on the 12th September.

For a bit of fun, why not try our Fascinating Farm Implements Quiz ....