Muir of Dinnet NNR - About the reserve
Muir of Dinnet NNR is managed to provide a range of habitats, including wetlands, woodland and heath.
Managing Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve
Muir of Dinnet NNR lies just within the eastern boundary of the Cairngorms National Park, close to the village of Dinnet. It lies in the heart of Deeside – a popular tourist destination – on the western edge of the Howe of Cromar. The reserve extends from the River Dee to the high slopes of Culblean Hill and covers approximately 1,163 hectares.
The sheer variety of habitats and landforms makes this an amazing place for wildlife and people alike. There are heaths, kettle hole lochs, bogs, eskers, mixed woodlands and the Vat itself.
Heath and woodland habitat
Our management priorities are to restore and extend the heath – including the rare bearberry heath, mires and peatlands. Work will focus on managing the vegetation and scrub encroaching onto these habitats.
For the peatlands we aim to restore the water table. We want to improve the diversity of the woodlands, increasing the area of aspen – rare in this area of Scotland. We will manage the lochs and wetlands to create the best conditions for the wildlife that depends on them.
Engaging people with nature
We want visiting the reserve to be an engaging wildlife experience for everyone. The reserve has an important role as a wildlife destination on the east side of the Cairngorms National Park.
We manage the visitor centre to provide information about the reserve and its rich natural heritage. We also manage the network of paths through the reserve, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the reserve responsibly.
Through events, educational visits and volunteering, we engage with people and give them opportunities to get involved with nature.
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.
Find out more about how we manage Muir of Dinnet NNR:
- The Management Plan – sets out our priorities and tasks for managing the reserve between 2014 and 2024.
- The Reserve Story – an introduction to the natural heritage, historical interest, past management and designations which protect the reserve.
- The Reserve Plan Review - an overview of our management of the reserve during the last plan.
Protected areas
Muir of Dinnet NNR overlaps with a number of protected areas:
- Muir of Dinnet Ramsar Site
- Muir of Dinnet Special Area of Conservation
- Muir of Dinnet Special Protection Area
- Muir of Dinnet Site of Special Scientific Interest
- River Dee Special Area of Conservation
Find out more about these protected areas and their designated features by searching the map.
Related Links
- Designation and management of Scotland’s National Nature Reserves
- Learn more about other protected areas