The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a protected area covering 44% of Dorset’s beautiful countryside. The Dorset AONB is a collection of beautiful landscapes – each with different histories, ways of working, and sense of place that give the Dorset AONB its unique character. The landscape includes numerous landmarks, such as hilltop earthworks, monuments and tree clumps, and supports a range of habitats and associated species that is unusually rich.
The Dorset AONB is managed by a partnership including Defra, Local Authorities, organisations representing local landowners, the environment, and tourism. There is a small team of dedicated staff who are hosted mainly by Dorset County Council. The aims of the team are to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the area, promote sustainable management and to raise awareness with the general public and local residents.
