Natural England reported on 8 September 2026 that it had submitted a proposal to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to designate a new Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Yorkshire Wolds, to be known as the Yorkshire Wolds National Landscape. The plan covers approximately 463km² and, if confirmed, would be the first new AONB designated anywhere in England in over 30 years.

The proposal followed years of technical assessment and public consultation, including a formal notice period for representations. Natural England said support in consultations ranged from 80 to 95 per cent, alongside some objections that it said were carefully considered. Paul Duncan, its deputy director for Yorkshire, called the submission a significant milestone for the Wolds and for landscape conservation in England.

The Secretary of State will review the evidence and decide whether to confirm, amend or refuse the Order. Natural England said there is no set timescale and that the area gains no new status unless and until the designation is confirmed. The proposal was submitted alongside a separate plan to extend the Surrey Hills AONB.