Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, like the Malvern Hills, have been renamed National Landscapes this week.

One of 46 across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the newly dubbed Malvern Hills National Landscape highlights the national importance of the region.

A 'National Landscape' is an area of countryside that has been designated for conservation as a result of its significant landscape value.

 

 

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National Landscapes aims to have at least 200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas, about one and a quarter the size of London, within their boundaries by 2030.

The certification also symbolises the area's contribution to restoring ecosystems, offering food sources, capturing carbon emissions and protecting from environmental dangers, all while preserving the health and wellbeing of local people.

The rebranding is also accompanied by a fresh logo gracing the Malvern Hills National Landscape, with the new emblem set to encapsulate the picturesque view of British Camp with the Eastnor Obelisk in the background.

Since its establishment in 1959, the Malvern Hills, though one of the smaller National Landscapes, has dedicated itself to the protection and improvement of the area.

This move marks a new chapter in its commitment to ecological maintenance and community resilience.

Paul Esrich, manager at the Malvern Hills National Landscape said: "This name change marks the start of a new phase for us, helping us to unite the National Landscapes across the UK so that we can work together to bring about change.

"Today we need so much more from these wonderful landscapes, helping us adapt to climate change, catching carbon, restoring depleted wildlife and encouraging more people outside, at the same time as producing food, sustaining local communities and looking after historic environments.

Mr Esrich added: "We welcome the opportunities this should bring."