“This is pure downland, the breasted hills curved as if under the influence of a great melody. It is beautiful, a quiet, and unrenowned and a most visibly ancient landscape” - Edward Thomas 1878 – 1917

The North Wessex Downs offers a spectacular and unique landscape that lies at the hub of the chalk landscapes of southern England.

It embraces the high open sweeps of arable farmland of the Marlborough Downs with their beech wood topped knolls and sheltered chalk river valleys, the intimate and secluded woodland of Chute and Savernake Forests, and the low lying land of the Thames Basin Heaths with a rich mosaic of woodland, pasture, heath and common land.

Select from the following links to find more about the heritage, landscape, habitat and wildlife of the North Wessex Downs, or living and working or visiting the area. Read about the Management of the North Wessex Downs, and Projects and Initiatives.

The North Wessex Downs was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972. Until 2001 the management of the area was undertaken by each local authority. The North Wessex Downs encompasses 173 parishes. It straddles the boundaries of the South West and South East government regions, two counties, three unitary authorities and four districts / boroughs.

With the passing of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, local authorities became responsible for the preparation of Management Plans for AONBs, and for public bodies and statutory undertakers to “have due regard” for the natural beauty of these areas. The Council of Partners was set up in 2001 to ensure better co-ordination and management of the North Wessex Downs AONB. Read and download the Management Plan 2009 - 2014.

The North Wessex Downs AONB is the largest in south east England and the third largest AONB nationally – out of the 37 AONBs in England. Read more about Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.