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Local Nature Reserves

What are they?

Local nature reserves are areas of at least locally important natural heritage, designated and managed by local authorities to give people better opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature close to where they live.

Where are they?

Local nature reserves are found across the country, but generally close to towns and cities.  The map below shows their location and links to further information on each reserve.

How are they protected and managed?

Local authorities are responsible for the management of local nature reserves.  Typically this is through their countryside ranger services.  They may also have local management committees involving representatives of the local community and particular user/ interest groups and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Local nature reserves may gain protection through also being sites of special scientific interest or Natura sites.  Designation as a local nature reserve may also support the management of an overlapping SSSI or Natura site. Local authorities may make byelaws to regulate inappropriate behaviour within local nature reserves.

Scottish Natural Heritage has published guidance on LNR management planning  PDF document for site managers.

How are they selected and designated?

Local authorities select and designate local nature reserves using their powers under section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 external site (as amended).  Scottish Natural Heritage has published guidance for local authorities  PDF document on this process.  

The area must be of at least local importance and wholly within the area of the local authority which designates it. Prior to designation, the local authority must own or lease the land or have the formal agreement of the owner(s).