Taynish NNR - About the reserve

Taynish NNR is managed to provide a mosaic of woodland and open habitats.

 

 

 

Managing habitats and inspiring people

Taynish NNR lies on a secluded peninsula in Argyll. It is an internationally important woodland reserve, famed for the many rare species found here. The area is known for its unique landscape of knaps and dales. These create the mosaic of habitats that makes Taynish so special.

Ancient oakwood carpeting the slopes is rich in wild flowers, lichens and mosses. Glades within the woodland provide sheltered locations for invertebrates.

Woodland habitat

Our priorities for the reserve are to maintain the mosaic of woodland and glades to improve the diversity of species found here. We’re aiming for a balance between regenerating woodland and maintaining open ground.

We do this by grazing with cattle to keep grassland in check and controlling deer numbers to allow trees to establish. We also brash bracken for the benefit of the ground flora and invertebrates. In the meadows, cattle maintain the conditions needed for the marsh fritillary – one of the rare butterflies found here.

Engaging people with nature            

We want visiting this special place to be a memorable experience for everyone. Visitors are encouraged to add their thoughts to the Poet's Seat Notebook. Taynish NNR is an important wildlife destination in Argyll and we encourage visitors to explore and enjoy the natural heritage found here.

We manage a network of paths providing access to a mix of habitats. We provide information and leaflets so that visitors can enjoy the wildlife and some of the best scenery in Scotland. We have an active programme of events and work with schools in the area to encourage engagement with nature through art and photography.

Management planning

We plan our management carefully to make sure that the special qualities of the reserve thrive. In this way it will always give visitors an enjoyable experience and engage people with nature.

We produce 10-year management plans for our reserves. Find out more about how we manage Taynish NNR:

  • The Management Plan – sets out our priorities and tasks for managing the reserve between 2015 and 2026.
  • The Reserve Story – an introduction to the natural heritage, historical interest, past management and designations which protect the reserve.

Protected areas

Taynish NNR overlaps with several protected areas:

Find out more about these protected areas and their designated features by searching the map.

Find out more

Learn more about Scotland’s National Nature Reserves. 

Discover how protected areas safeguard our natural heritage.    

Read all of our Poet's Seat Booklets.

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