Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is an area of high scenic quality which has statutory protection in order to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of its landscape. AONB landscapes range from rugged coastline to water meadows to gentle lowland and upland moors.  They are different from National Parks because of their more limited opportunities for extensive outdoor recreation.  Natural England has a statutory power to designate land as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.