Places to be proud of

National Nature Reserves have habitats and species that are nationally important and many are internationally important too. The accolade of 'National Nature Reserve' identifies sites with excellent wildlife which are managed very carefully, both for wildlife and for people too, so that visitors can appreciate the wildlife living there.

The key purpose of National Nature Reserves is to showcase some of the best wildlife in Scotland for everyone to see and appreciate. This purpose is unique and distinguishes National Nature Reserves from other protected areas.

There are other nature Reserves in Scotland but these don't meet the exacting criteria and standards required to qualify them as  National Nature Reserves.