A joint statement on behalf of The Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Joint Advisory Committee(JAC), Denbighshire County Council, Wrexham County Borough Council and Flintshire County Council.
Yesterday the Welsh Government Environment Minister John Griffiths confirmed a southerly extension to the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Councillor Carolyn Thomas Chair of the Clwydian Range AONB JAC, said: “I am delighted that this area has been designated an AONB. This designation recognises that it is one of the finest landscapes in the United Kingdom. The achievement of designation comes from the endeavors of the three County Councils together with the Countryside Council for Wales and other partners.”
The landscape in question includes much of the Dee Valley from Corwen to Newbridge, including the picturesque town of Llangollen. Some of the stunning natural features are the Eglwyseg Escarpment, Horseshoe Pass and Esclusham Mountain. Historical features include the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Chirk Castle and Valle Crucis Abbey.
Howard Sutcliffe, the Clwydian Range AONB Officer, added: “This landscape is enjoyed and cherished by both those who live, work and visit it; it has been on the itinerary of many famous visitors, from the Duke of Wellington to Harrison Ford. It has been created by a combination of natural forces and human effort into the stunning landscape we see today”.
Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: “I welcome this decision as it recognises the good work that’s already being done on the AONB. This announcement sees the extension of the AONB beyond Denbighshire and will benefit all of the communities and landscapes that fall within the new region. “
Leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, Ron Davies added: “I am particularly pleased that the AONB extension to the Dee Valley will complement and strengthen the close working relationship already developed on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site.”
Leader of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Arnold Woolley said “I look forward to extending our partnership work to include Wrexham County Borough Council on the many and varied community and voluntary projects undertaken in the current Clwydian Range AONB.”
