We would probably all agree that the whole of Yorkshire is an area of outstanding natural beauty but some areas are more outstanding than others!
We have the three National Parks covering the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and parts of The Peak District National Park all with outstanding scenery and an abundance of visual delight. Not to take away from these national parks we also have precious landscapes with distinctive character and natural beauty in three further areas. These are designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty or AONB’s for short.

Since the ‘National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949′ there have been 33 English AONB’s created three of which are all or partially in Yorkshire. They are areas deemed to be so outstanding that it is in the nation’s interest to safeguard them and that is what AONB status seeks to do.

Howardian Hills

The hills are formed on Jurassic limestone that gives the landscape its character and irregular 600 foot ridges. They are set between York and Pickering as a southern extension of the rocks of the North York Moors.
In addition to the green agricultural plains there is a rich tapestry of wooded hills and valleys, pastures and rolling farmland with dramatic views.

Nidderdale

Head for the high moorland on the edge of Great Whernside and the source of the river Nidd then down to Pateley Bridge. Follow the river course through lush green meadow via Brimham Rocks and the sights down to Knaresborough. There is lots to do see and visit in Nidderdale including Studley Royal and the picturesque ruins of Fountains Abbey.

Forest of Bowland

Parts of the riding of North Yorkshire lies within it’s boundaries and you can start a tour from Slaidburn or Settle to visit the important heather moorland and bog.
A large part of the site is also specially protected as a site of special scientific interest. It is home to many insect species and the birds who feed in the area.
The predominantly Lancastrian rivers of Ribble, Hodder, Wyre and Lune pass through the Trough of Bowland.

I hope this gives you the incentive to visit or revisit these AONB’s. Some of the villages and sites are well worth exploring for a day or a on a more protracted leisurely and peaceful stay.

The Arboretum Trust is a joint venture charity between Kew Gardens and Castle Howard.
Set in 150 acres of fine Yorkshire landscape of tranquility and beauty, the arboretum is tucked away in the Howardian Hills. It is 15 miles north east of York just off the A64 and whilst opened to the public for only 13 years it has been a long time in the growing.

Where do the Trusts Trees Come From?

1. The earliest trees of rare and interesting subjects are either historically important, original introductions or propagated by cuttings or grafting from such plants. The site was first surveyed in 1563!
“In the first decades of the eighteenth century, it was a highly praised and very early example of a woodland garden, predating the English taste for the Picturesque by almost a generation. In 1710, it was described by Thomas Player as “a most natural wood, cut through with winding paths and decorated with summer houses, cascades and statuary……”

2. There are the many attractive plants that have benefited from the expertise at Kew such as the acid loving plants like the Red Maple, Acer rubrum ‘October Glory’. These trees look particularly pleasing and colourful in autumn.

3. The majority of trees have been raised from seed originally collected on numerous expeditions. They have been augmented by the Kew, Howick, Sunningdale and Wakehurst nurseries.

All of the collection including over 800 rhododendrons are documented on a detailed Plant Records Database. Like a similar list from Thorpe Perrow this document contains a vast amount of information for each individual plant.

Wild life benefit from the environment of mature and developing trees. There are thousands of butterflies, dragonflies and small mammals to look out for. Around the lakes are many species of birds that can also be watched from a special observatory.

Read more about competitive gardening in Yorkshire

Credits
Castle Howard arboretum. Autumn! by Philip Ed CC BY-NC 2.0
Arboretum by James Laing CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
The Arboretum Trust Kew at Castle Howard Patron: HRH, The Prince of Wales Link