Who and How

Administratively the Wye Valley AONB is very complex, being the only protected landscape to straddle the border between England and Wales. It covers parts of the three Counties of Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire, which are each in a different government region: the West Midlands, Wales and the South West respectively.

Co-ordination of conservation across these political boundaries requires a special effort by the AONB unit, its Joint Advisory Committee and all partners, including Government bodies and voluntary organisations.

The Wye Valley AONB Unit is based at Hadnock Road, Monmouth NP25 3NG

The role of the AONB staff includes:

• Co-ordinating the many initiatives required to achieve the aims and aspirations of the AONB.
• Spearheading implementation of the AONB Management Plan.
• Advising the Joint Advisory Committee on issues affecting the AONB.
• Forging productive partnerships with those who have an impact on the environment of the AONB.
• Exploring new sources of funding for essential conservation and enhancement work in the AONB.
• Raising awareness of the value of the area's unique environment and the significance of its designation.

The AONB Unit is an established team, currently with five full time members of staff. This allows the AONB unit to operate effectively as a cross-border co-ordinating body, engaging with local communities and other partners to develop and deliver both localised projects and AONB wide initiatives.  This has complemented economic regeneration initiatives in the area such as LEADER programmes. 

To contact the Unit office or individual staff members please click here