Chilterns Boundary Review

Chilterns Boundary Review

Chilterns National Landscape Boundary Review

**page last updated 25th June 2025**

 

The Chilterns National Landscape boundary exists to clearly mark the areas that need careful consideration for planning, development or land-use change. However, the current boundary doesn’t cover the entire Chilterns landscape, with some of its distinctive natural features lying outside the designated area.

For many years the Chilterns Conservation Board has been committed to exploring the potential to extend the boundary to better reflect the true extent of the landscape. In June 2021, we welcomed Natural England’s Designations Programme, which aimed to explore extending the Chilterns National Landscape and improving its management and governance.

Unfortunately, Natural England has now confirmed the cancellation of the Chilterns Boundary Review project due to national budget cuts. This decision brings the project to a close, and no further work will be undertaken at this time. However, we will continue to work closely with Natural England, and will be urging Ministers to identify the funding needed to complete this important work in the future.

We understand this news may be disappointing to many who have contributed to and supported the process. For more information, you can read our full statement by clicking here.

If you have any queries regarding the project and its cancellation, please contact Natural England directly at: landscapedesignations@naturalengland.org.uk.

Natural England FAQs

We have received the following FAQs from Natural England as part of an update shared with us on 25 June 2025.

Please note that these FAQs have been produced by Natural England, not by the Chilterns National Landscape team. We are currently seeking further clarification on the interpretation of some of the answers provided.

If you have any queries about the boundary review and its cancellation, please send them to Natural England at landscapedesignations@naturalengland.org.uk

A butterfly on a purple wildflower

About the Chilterns National Landscape

The Chilterns National Landscape is an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)’ – a formal designation for an area of land that is of national importance for its natural beauty. Read more about what makes the landscapes of the Chilterns National Landscape special, and learn about the contribution of National Landscapes to the national economy and tourism each year.

Read more about the Chilterns National Landscape
View of Manor Farm, photo by Nick Middleton

A boundary to benefit people and the landscape

The wider Chilterns area is home to many vibrant and growing communities. An extension to the Chilterns National Landscape would help to protect high-quality natural environments and historic features close to many of these urban areas for future generations to enjoy. The new designation would also help us and our partners to provide people living in these areas with greater opportunities to access to the countryside, benefit from the tranquillity it provides, and get away from the pressures of everyday life.

It is equally important for Chilterns’ wildlife habitats and cultural heritage. With its globally rare chalk streams, wildflower-rich chalk grassland and prehistoric settlements – including Bronze and Iron Age hillforts – reviewing the boundary of the National Landscape provides opportunities for a more strategic approach to caring for the special features of the Chilterns’ landscape that are currently outside the protected area.

Chilterns AONB map (copyright Chilterns Conservation Board)

Related news

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An update on our new management plan

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Challenging HS2

Find out how we are actively working to hold HS2 and their contractors to account, to reduce environmental damage and seek the best designs possible.

Getting help with planning

We are sadly unable to respond to all queries we receive on planning matters from members of the public.  Here you can find out how we work and who might be able to help you.

Plan your trip to the Chilterns!

Search the interactive map: select from a list of categories to bring up icons showing the location and information of walks, bike rides, places to visit, tasty local products and plenty more across the Chilterns.

Follow the Countryside Code

Help us to protect the Chilterns National Landscape when you’re out and about by following the Countryside Code and the rules for the site you are visiting. Please respect others around you and those who care for and work in this special landscape.