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Introducing National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

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.

There are 47 National Nature Reserves in Scotland and they're some of the best places for wildlife in the country.  They're managed primarily for nature, but people are welcome too, many have facilities to enable visitors to appreciate the wildlife living there.

Together, the suite of NNRs, showcase the wide variety of Scotland's habitats and species from pine forest to blanket bog, from seabird colonies to mountain plants. They are located all over the country - the northernmost is Hermaness at the northern tip of Shetland, while Caerlaverock is at the other end of the country on the shores of the Solway Firth.

The 47 National Nature Reserves covers 95,835 hectares.  The smallest is Corrieshalloch Gorge NNR at just under seven hectares and the largest is Glen Affric NNR at 14,537 hectares.

The woodland trail, Beinn Eighe NNR. © Lorne Gill/SNH For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Places to be proud of

Showcasing some of the best wildlife in Scotland for all to see and appreciate.

Volunteers clearing willow scrub at Loch Leven NNR. © Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Who owns and manages NNRs

Learn more about our partners.

National Nature Reserves logo. Copyright NNR. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

Declaring NNRs

More about how National Nature Reserves are set up.

The beach and seaweed covered rocks with tourist boats moored in Village Bay, Hirta, St Kilda  ©Lorne Gill/SNH. For information on reproduction rights contact the Scottish Natural Heritage Image Library on Tel. 01738 444177 or www.snh.gov.uk

NNRs and protected areas

The legislation, policy and protected areas related to NNRs.