Celebrating 50 years as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Wessex Downs became a protected landscape in 1972 – protected by law for the nation. But for hundreds of years its natural beauty has inspired poets and painters, writers and wanderers. We hope to inspire you with our selection of fifty things that are not-to-be-missed: places, experiences and wildlife which we think deserve a special mention.
Thank you to everybody who contributed to the selection process – particularly to members of the Council of Partners for their input. Not everything made the cut – there is simply too much to choose from!
Please share your journey through the list via our social media channels using #northwessexdowns50 – we’d love to see your images and know what you think about our choice.
What would you have included?
You can also explore the locations included in our list of 50 Things on our Interactive Map.
Liddington Hill
Rising over 900 feet (275m) and with its clump of beech trees, Liddington Hill is visible for miles around.
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Farmland Birds
The farmed landscape of the AONB provides a habitat for lots of rare bird species.
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The Other Seven White Horses
The Uffington White Horse is the most well-known hill figure in the AONB but is only one of eight in the North Wessex Downs.
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Beautiful Butterflies
The North Wessex Downs AONB is a great place to look for butterflies.
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Bluebells at West Woods
One of THE best places in the North Wessex Downs to see this incredible wildflower spectacle
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Starry nights
The North Wessex Downs has significant areas of dark skies with 15% as dark as any in the country
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