Skip to content

Sandstone Ridge Area of Outstanding Natural beauty proposal

25th November 2023

We’re delighted that Natural England are now assessing the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge as a potential Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Ridge is one of Cheshire’s most distinctive landscapes, covering 230 sq km of rolling hills and sandstone escarpments stretching between the Mersey Valley and the county boundary. AONB status would be extremely valuable in helping manage and protect this wonderful place. We’re supporting the Sandstone Ridge Trust  – who are championing the proposal – as they work through the assessment process.

The area was originally shortlisted for designation as an AONB in 2021, and it’s good to see that things are moving forward. If Natural England decides to progress the proposal, there will be extensive public consultation. This will include consulting on possible boundaries. Any formal designation as an AONB would take place in 2025 at the earliest.

Find out more about the Sandstone Ridge

View from the Bickerton Hills, part of the Sandstone Ridge
View from the Bickerton Hills Becca Nelson

More like this

The countryside next door
Cheshire farmland in Grappenhall

Proposed Green Belt employment site in Warrington ‘not needed’
The countryside next door

CPRE Cheshire and the Wirral Green Space Alliance submit a joint response to the Wirral Local Plan consultation
The countryside next door

Warrington Local Plan: CPRE’s response
Homes people can afford

CPRE responds to Greater Manchester Spatial Framework consultation
Sign up to our newsletter

We’ll send you the latest news and information on our work, campaigns, fundraising, events and other ways you can support our vision for a thriving countryside.

We hold and manage your details in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. We won’t share, sell or swap your information with other organisations for their own marketing purposes. You can read our Privacy Policy page for more information.