
Craigellachie NNR - About the reserve
Craigellachie is managed to provide a range of habitats for plants and wildlife.
Craigellachie is managed to provide a range of habitats for plants and wildlife.
Craigellachie NNR is a woodland reserve close to the community of Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of nine NNRs within the Cairngorms National Park. Craigellachie is one of the largest remaining birch woodlands in Strathspey. The varied habitats in the reserve also include open glades, heaths and freshwater. These support a range of wildlife.
We undertake limited management within the reserve. Our priority is to keep the woodlands in good condition and encourage the woods to spread further up the hill. Good woodland condition means that there are trees of different ages, including new saplings, and a mixed shrub and ground layer.
On the whole, we leave the woodland to natural processes, although we do some small-scale habitat work. We also keep herbivore numbers to sustainable levels to manage grazing impacts on the woodland.
We want visiting the reserve to be an opportunity to experience nature, walk and watch wildlife. We see the reserve as a key nature-based visitor attraction close to Aviemore.
We will continue to maintain the network of trails, signage and interpretation. We will work with the Scottish Youth Hostel Association and provide information about the reserve at Aviemore Youth Hostel. This will include live camera links to the peregrine nest if the birds breed.
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.
Craigellachie NNR overlaps with one protected area:
Find out more about these protected areas and their designated features by searching the map:
Learn more about Scotland’s National Nature Reserves.
Discover how protected areas safeguard our natural heritage.