CAMPAIGNERS last night called for the Cambrian Mountains to be recognised as an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB). Spanning the counties of Powys, Ceredigion, and Carmarthenshire, the range is known as the backbone of Wales. The mountains narrowly missed out on gaining National Park status in the 1960s and 1970s. But now the Cambrian Mountains Society is lobbying the Countryside Council for Wales in its bid to secure AONB recognition. The definition of an AONB is "a precious landscape, with distinctive character and natural beauty so outstanding it is in the nation's interest to safeguard it". In Wales, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) is responsible for designating AONBs. Areas are recognised for their flora, fauna, historical and cultural associations, and spectacular views. Cambrian Mountains Society treasurer Richard Wilson said: "We think the Cambrian Mountains deserve more recognition. "It's clear that the mountains are an area of great beauty." The mountains previously missed out on national park status due to a lack of support, said Mr Wilson. A CCW spokeswoman said it would be up to the Welsh Assembly to make a decision. "We would receive a proposal and then we'd go into a consultation period in joint partner-ship with the local authority," she said.. "A designation order would then be submitted to the Welsh Assembly and it would make the decision." A free exhibition starts at the Elan Valley visitor centre, near Rhayader, on Saturday, featuring photographs, stories and facts about the mountains. | 
