South Devon AONB was formally designated in August 1960 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (South Devon AONB Management Plan 2009-14).
The South Devon region was formally recognized as a special area of outstanding natural beauty in August 1960, following the passage of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. This designation is further detailed in the South Devon AONB Management Plan from 2009 to 2014.