Heritage Coasts boundaries. Heritage coasts are ‘defined’ rather than designated, so there isn’t a statutory designation process like that associated with national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). They were established to conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast in England. A heritage coast is defined by agreement between the relevant maritime local authorities and Natural England. The national policy framework and objectives for heritage coasts were developed by the Countryside Commission, a predecessor of Natural England, and ratified by government.  For more information see the following links:* [Heritage Coasts - Definition, Purpose and Natural England's Role](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heritage-coasts-protecting-undeveloped-coast/heritage-coasts-definition-purpose-and-natural-englands-role) * Natural England's report - Review and evaluation of England's Heritage Coasts publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/4594438590431232?category=56001 Full metadata can be viewed on [data.gov.uk](https://data.gov.uk/dataset/79b3515f-b00e-419a-9c7e-1d3163555886/heritage-coasts).