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
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
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.
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Chilterns Chalk Streams Project set to ‘Mend the Misbourne’
The Chilterns Chalk Streams Project has secured £1 million of investment towards the ‘Mending the Misbourne’ programme.
New lighting guidance launched to help protect the Chilterns’ dark skies
We are excited to announce the launch of the Chilterns Lighting Planning Guidance.
An update on our new management plan
At its meeting on 19 June, the Chilterns Conservation Board approved the new management plan for the Chilterns National Landscape.