In June 2021 it was announced that the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge is to be considered for status as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Securing this designation will allow the area to benefit from greater protection and management.
This diverse, distinctive andcelebrated landscape is situated in the heart of Cheshire and covers an area of 230 sq km. It is rich in heritage,archeology, wildlife and culture. This will be Cheshire's first AONB, and the first nationally protected landscape lying wholly in the county.
The process towards the designation of the Sandstone Ridge starts this year, and will involve consideration of natural beauty, the area's boundaries, and public consultation. This process will take between two and three years, during which the public profile of the Ridge will be greatly enhanced.
The Sandstone Ridge Trust is one of many organisations that have an interest in the natural beauty, landscape and heritage of the Ridge, together with the needs of the people that visit, live and work on it. To this effect, the Trust has been instrumental in protecting and managing this magical landscape, and has over a number of years, attracted significant Lottery funding to support this initiative.
Please visit https://www.sandstoneridge.org.uk fore more information.
FromAndrew Hull, Chair of theSandstone Ridge Trust