Scotland's Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are places to enjoy and learn more about local wildlife or geology. LNRs can be found near city centres, on the coast, or in the countryside. They can be all sorts of places - woodlands, wetlands, meadows or coastal sand dunes. They provide wild spaces where plants and animals, both common and rare, can thrive. They offer a more natural environment than parks and gardens, but are still readily accessible to, and for a wide range of people.

LNR Celebrations for 2012

This year CSV Action Earth 2012 campaign will manage the celebrations on behalf of Scottish Natural Heritage with funds up to £500 to run an event on your local nature reserve. For more information contact CSV on www.csv.org.uk 

How many do we have?

In Scotland as from March 2012, there are 61 designated LNRs. They cover a total area of approximately 10,000 ha, and range from the most northerly, a headland in Orkney, to the most southerly, a estuarine site in Dumfries and Galloway. The most recent designation is Ravenswood site in North Lanarkshire and covers 17 Ha. The site was officially opened in March.

Some reserve are nationally important Sites of Special Scientific Interest  and two cities have sites that have also received the Green Flag Award  . LNRs can be former industrial sites with ponds to bogs and flower filled meadows. All are accessible places for people, providing convenient opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and contributing to Scotland's biodiversity.

If a Local Nature Reserve requires a management plan or a review of an existing one, Scottish Natural Heritage has produced guidance to help with this see: Local Nature Reserves guidance on management plans.

Find Out More

The reserves are owned and managed by the local authority, and more information on visiting can be found by contacting the council's ranger service.

Find out more about your Local Nature Reserves by clicking on the location on the interactive map below