Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Isle of Wight
Approximately half the Isle of Wight is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was designated in 1963. The majority is found in the south and west of the Island, however there are five parcels of AONB stretching across the whole land area, which in total covers around 189 square kilometres. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Isle of Wight is represented by a diversity of landscapes, from imposing chalk cliffs to rolling countryside, plus half of the coastline including all of the Heritage Coast.
The fact that a large proportion of the Isle of Wight is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty helps to attract tourists to the Island for holidays or to attend the numerous events and festivals that are held here every year. The striking chalk cliffs, rolling downs, muddy creeks and estuaries, verdant green pastures, trees and hedgerows all share the same designation, creating a wonderful array of nature, for the visitor as well as locals, to enjoy.
The current landscape on the Isle of Wight has been created by centuries of land management and is unusual when comparing it with other protected landscapes in the fact that the AONB here is fragmented. This fragmentation further reflects the wide mixture of landscape types over the small area of land that makes up the Island. This variety of landscape, coupled with the Island´s strong nautical influence, produces an extra special feeling to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Isle of Wight.