Designating National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

What are they for?

National Nature Reserves are areas of land set aside for nature, where the main purpose of management is the conservation of habitats and species of national and international significance. Included in the series are mountain tops, ancient woodlands, remote islands with huge colonies of breeding seabirds and lowland lochs that are vitally important staging posts for migrating birds. Visitors are welcome at National Nature Reserves.

How are they designated?

National Nature Reserves are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Nearly all are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and most are also part of the network of European Natura 2000 sites - either Special Protection Areas for birds or Special Areas of Conservation for other habitats and species.

Is their status ever reviewed?

From time to time we review whether sites continue to deserve the accolade of National Nature Reserve. If we decide that a site can no longer deliver the Policy for National Nature Reserves in Scotland we remove the accolade status, equally if we find another site that has the required attributes and can be managed as a National Nature Reserve then we can make it into National Nature Reserve.

How many are there currently?

At the start of 2010 there are 65 declared NNRs in Scotland but we only promote 55 of these. In due course we will remove NNR status from the other sites because they can not be managed to deliver the NNR policy. Removing the accolade of National Nature Reserve does not mean the site and its wildlife is no longer protected because other designations (Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Natura 2000) provide protection. What it does mean is that the site will no longer be put on display as one of the finest examples of Scotland's nature.

Who owns and manages them?

Scottish Natural Heritage owns and manages many of the NNRs, but partner organisations own and manage some of them. We work in partnership with these organisations which include the Forestry Commission Scotland, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the National Trust for Scotland, the Scottish Wildlife Trust and South Lanarkshire Council. There are also a few NNRs that are privately owned and managed in agreement with the landowner.