The Yorkshire Wolds forms an arc of high, gently rolling hills extending from the Humber Estuary, west of Hull, to the North Sea coast at Flamborough Head, North of Bridlington. It is known for steep sided dry dales, high but gentle escarpment, dramatic coastal cliffs, and open, rolling plateaus. The area is predominantly agricultural, creating an open, rolling landscape. Habitats include ancient woodland, chalk streams and maritime cliffs and slopes, all providing a high quality wildlife resource.
Paul Duncan, area director for Natural England, said: “The Yorkshire Wolds is a tranquil landscape of rolling hills, valleys and open plateaux interspersed with ancient woodland, chalk streams, farm holdings and historic villages, extending north from the River Humber.
“The announcement that the Yorkshire Wolds may become one of our newest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty is fantastic news for Yorkshire and North East England.
“If successful, the Yorkshire Wolds would join other Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in celebrating, protecting and enhancing Yorkshire’s beautiful landscape, helping to bring nature and people closer together.”
Cllr Jonathan Owen, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Representing a large part of the East Riding encompassing the Yorkshire Wolds, I am proud to support the area being considered for such an outstanding designation. We are blessed with a range of fabulous natural assets from the Wolds to the coast which attracts millions of visitors each year and it is fantastic to see the area, with its outstanding aesthetic beauty, considered for such a significant status.”
