Protected Rural Landscapes
England's 10 National Parks and 34 National Landscapes (formerly Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)) cover in total 22% of England's land area. As well as being high quality landscapes, National Parks and National Landscapes contain some of our most important historic sites.
Between them the English National Parks contain:
- A quarter of the national total of protected archaeological sites
- Over 4,000 listed buildings and
- More than 500 designated historic areas.
This historic character of National Landscapes underpins their distinctiveness and sense-of-place. National Landscapes in England contain some of our most important historic sites, they are home to:
- More than 49,000 listed buildings
- Over 4,600 nationally important ancient monuments
- 300 designated historic parks and gardens.
- Several National Landscapes also include parts of internationally important World Heritage Sites.
Historic England has developed a special relationship with these protected areas. We’ve had a Joint Statement with the National Parks since 1995 and the National Landscapes Association (formerly the National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) since 2004.
The Joint Statements represent a commitment by the organisations to work in partnership in order to promote the conservation, understanding and public enjoyment of the heritage in these special areas.
Joint Statement on the Historic Environment in National Landscapes
A declaration of ambition and intent made between the 34 National Landscapes, Historic England, and the National Landscapes Association.
Joint Statement on the Historic Environment in National Parks
The refreshed joint statement, signed by National Park Authorities and national partners, commits signatories to manage the historic environment sustainably and to help more people connect with the stories, landscapes and cultural heritage that shape National Parks.
The statement brings together all 15 National Park Authorities with organisations including Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw, NatureScot and the Forestry Commission, reflecting a shared commitment across all three nations.
By working together at the national level, partners will strengthen advocacy, improve access to data and expertise, and support better-coordinated action to conserve and celebrate the historic environment.
In this section
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What Is Rural Heritage?
England's rural landscape includes a great range of heritage assets from historic buildings to archaeological remains.
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Farm Buildings and Traditional Farmsteads
Our advice and approach for ensuring the historic character, survival and use of traditional and historic farm buildings.
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Support and Funding for Rural Heritage
Rural heritage can benefit from programmes that offer advice and funding for the care of heritage in rural settings.
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Metal Detecting
A summary of the conditions regarding metal detecting on agri-environment land.
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Creating New Woodland
Find the information and advice you need to create new woodland whilst also protecting the historic environment.
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Protected Rural Landscapes
How we work with National Parks and the National Association of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Landscapes & Areas
The historic environment is managed not only at the level of individual buildings, sites or monuments, but also in terms of entire landscapes.