National Nature Reserves and other protected areas

There are several different laws protecting wildlife sites in Scotland. National Nature Reserves are protected by these laws too, therefore all National Nature Reserves are designated at least one, and usually more, different types of protected area.

There is an explanation of the different types of 'protected area' on the website of Scottish Natural Heritage.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest

The  Site of Special Scientific Interest is the foundation stone underpinning all sites in the network of protected sites in Great Britain. All National Nature Reserves are Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Natura 2000 - Europe's network of protected areas

Natura 2000 is the network of protected areas in Europe. There are two types of site in the network. Special Protection Areas are designated because they are important sites for birds. Special Areas of Conservation are designated because they are important sites for habitats and species. Some sites important for both birds and habitats and species have both designations.

•  41 NNRs are in the Natura 2000 network. Of these
•  24 NNRs are both Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation,
•  3 NNRs are Special Protection Areas only,
•  14 NNRs are Special Areas of Conservation only.

Other Protected Areas

• There are 8 National Nature Reserves in the Cairngorms National Park and 2 in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
• 13 National Nature Reserves are Ramsar Sites ie sites in the network of wetlands of international importance
• 1 National Nature Reserve is also a Biosphere Reserve.

Figures on this page are based on 47 NNRs and are correct as of 13/07/2012