Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity, today visited the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to celebrate up to £3.5m more for AONBs to ensure that England's finest landscapes remain living, working, thriving and beautiful.

Jim Knight said:

"The introduction of the Sustainable Development Fund for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England fulfils an election manifesto commitment.

"AONBs are national assets and are there for all to enjoy. But the landscapes are not all entirely natural. Many were shaped by human activities, such as farming. And, whilst they must be conserved and protected, they cannot and should not be preserved as in aspic. They are homes and workplaces for many people and their conservation depends on the sustainability of the activities which take place within their boundaries.

"The aim behind the Sustainable Development Fund is to encourage individuals, community groups and businesses to co-operate together to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the management of their activities. I hope that they will seize the opportunity presented by the fund to test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in landscapes of outstanding natural beauty.

"We want these national assets to be enjoyed, both by those who live and work there, and those who visit, for many generations to come. The fund will be administered and monitored by the Countryside Agency, which has played a key role in its development, and whose expertise has been much appreciated.

"Sustainable Development underpins all of Defra's work and I am delighted that this fund will enable AONBs to integrate this into their work too. This new resource will also help the AONBs with the implementation of their management plans. AONBs are invited to bid for up to £100,000."

Sustainable Development Funds have already successfully been run for AONBs in Wales and for National Parks both in Wales and England, so there is a wealth of information and advice available.

1. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) were brought into being by the same legislation as National Parks - the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949. They are fine landscapes, of great variety in character and extent. The primary objective of their designation is the conservation area's natural beauty, although many of them also fulfil a great recreational purpose.

2. The Countryside Agency and the Countryside Council for Wales are responsible for designating AONBs and advising Government on policies for their protection. There are currently 36 AONBs.