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Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Gower - a land apart...

... a precious landscape whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so outstanding that it is protected for future generations...

 

Designated in 1956 for its classic limestone coast and the variety of its natural habitats, it was the first AONB designated in the UK. Now we are part of a family of 46 AONBs and 13 National Parks in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Planning legislation gives Gower the same protection as a National Park.

Rich and diverse, Gower's scenery ranges from fragile dune and salt marsh in the north to the dramatic limestone cliffs along the south coast, intercut by sand beaches. Inland, the hills of Cefn Bryn and Rhossili Down dominate the landscape of traditional small fields, wooded valleys and open commons.

Award-winning beaches, dramatic coast, rolling downs, and traditional villages linked by small lanes make Gower a place to unwind and recharge your batteries.

Gower - managed in partnership

The AONB team works in close partnership with all those who live, work and manage the land in Gower, and those charged with conserving and enhancing the landscape and wildlife for the nation.

Gower - developing sustainably

The AONB Partnership operates a small grant scheme which aims to develop and test ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in Gower.

Contact the AONB team

A small team of staff are employed by the council to implement the AONB Management Plan and support the AONB Partnership.

Other sources of information about Gower

Find out where you can discover even more about Gower.

What is an AONB?

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a designated landscape, whose distinctive character and natural beauty is so precious that it is to be protected in the national interest.

Pennard Castle ivy removal project

Overlooking Three Cliffs Bay, Pennard Castle is one of the most recognisable images of Gower. Pennard Golf Club owns and manages the Castle as a Scheduled Monument.
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