Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) together with National Parks are the highest quality landscapes in England and Wales, and have been designated to conserve that quality. Often regarded as second to National Parks, AONBs face a new future presented by changes in countryside policy and finance. They must seize the opportunities now becoming available. This book examines whether they are fit for the challenges that this requires, and sets out a bold agenda for their survival. Landscapes at Risk? covers the history and development of AONBs in England and Wales in the context of protected landscapes in the UK. It focuses on the evolution of policies and administration for their conservation, management and planning, and the adequacy of ideas for their long-term well being. The book makes numerous references to the initiatives of AONB managers and others to secure their future. Lavishly illustrated, it features a series of case studies to exemplify the main points being made in the text.