Local Nature Reserves
Local Nature Reserves are designated to give people better opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature close to home.
Local Nature Reserves are designated to give people better opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature close to home.
Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are areas of natural heritage that are at least locally important. There are 75 LNRs in Scotland, usually close to towns and cities. The most recent LNR designation was the extension to Stevenston Beach LNR in North Ayrshire in June 2019.
Local authorities select and designate LNRs under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (as amended).
An area to be designated must be:
Local authorities may find our guidance on the process useful:
Read the Local Nature Reserves in Scotland: A Guide to their Selection and Declaration
Local authorities may publish LNR declarations and public notices on the Tell Me Scotland website.
A local authority is responsible for managing any LNRs in its area and will usually do so through its countryside ranger service.
It may also have a local management committee, comprising:
Local authorities can make by-laws to regulate inappropriate behaviour within LNRs.
NatureScot has published an Evaluation on LNR management for site managers: NatureScot Commissioned Report 174.
Read the Local Nature Reserve Management Planning Guidance: The Process and the Plan
A Local Nature Reserve is a protected area of land designated by a local authority because of its special natural interest and/ or educational value and may include a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and/or a Natura site.
Search for an LNR in Scotland on SiteLink: