The Nidderdale AONB was identified in the Dower and Hobhouse reports, and was included in the Countryside Commission's programme of AONB designations in the 1950's.  However, the formal designation process did not begin until more than forty years later. The process began with widespread consultation and was accompanied by a comprehensive landscape assessment, which identified the special qualities on which the designation would be based. 

 

Public response to possible AONB designation was strongly positive with over 75% of responses in favour.  A number of boundary changes were included in the submission to the Secretary of State for the Environment in October 1992.

 

The Nidderdale AONB was formally designated by the Secretary of State on the 14th February 1994.  The designated area covers 603 square kilometers (233 square miles).