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. AONBs have always been regarded as 'second' to national parks in terms of the legislation and resources provided by the nation to look after them. At the turn of the century they are at a cross-roads - there are many challenges to be overcome if they are to survive as the best. This book examines whether they ar...