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- When was the first National Nature Reserve set up?
- How many National Nature Reserves are in Scotland?
- Why are National Nature Reserves special?
- Who looks after National Nature Reserves?
- Are National Nature Reserves open to the public?
- Are National Nature Reserves open all year?
- Where can I find my nearest National Nature Reserve?
- Are there any information leaflets about National Nature Reserves?
- What about disabled access on National Nature Reserves?
- Are there National Nature Reserves in other parts of the UK?
- How do I link to the National Nature Reserves web site?
Q When was the first National Nature Reserve set up?
A Established in 1951, Beinn Eighe in North West Scotland is Britain’s oldest NNR. Beinn Eighe NNR was created primarily to protect ancient Caledonian pinewood, although the reserve covers a vast area of 48 square kilometres stretching from loch side to mountain top.
Q How many National Nature Reserves are in Scotland?
A There are now over 50 NNRs in Scotland, ranging from Hermaness in the Shetland Islands in the far north, to Caerlaverock on the Solway Firth near Dumfries in the south of the country. Click on the map for more details.
Q Why are National Nature Reserves special?
A Scotland’s NNRs are world class sites for nature which help safeguard an incredible variety of animals, plants, geological features and landscapes. NNRs offer superb opportunities for people to get close to, enjoy, and learn more about Scotland’s nature. Through careful management of the land, NNRs help protect rare and often fragile wildlife species and habitats that are internationally important. Research work on NNRs also allows us to better understand the natural environment and develop new knowledge and skills to improve our management of wildlife habitats.
Q Who looks after National Nature Reserves?
A Most NNRs are either managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), under lease or ownership, or are privately owned and managed along with the owner under a Nature Reserve Agreement (NRA). Some NNRs are owned and managed by partner organisations. These include Forestry Commission Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland, RSPB Scotland, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust.
Q Are National Nature Reserves open to the public?
A Yes! NNRs are open to everyone who wants to experience some of the best sights and sounds of Scotland's natural world.
Q Are National Nature Reserves open all year?
A Apart from a few special cases, you are welcome to visit NNRs all year round. Check out the individual reserves on this website for the best time to visit.
Q Where can I find my nearest National Nature Reserve?
A In Scotland, you are never far away from an NNR. See the map for more details.
Q Are there any information leaflets about National Nature Reserves?
A Yes! We publish a range of free NNR publications, including leaflets for individual reserves. If you want to order any NNR publications, please e-mail pubs@snh.gov.uk.
Q What about disabled access on National Nature Reserves?
A Please contact the local office for details of disabled access on a particular NNR.
Q Are there National Nature Reserves in other parts of the UK?
A Both England and Wales have a range of NNRs that you can visit. Click on the links for English Nature and Countryside Council for Wales for more details.
Q How do I link to the National Nature Reserves web site?
A Scottish Natural Heritage welcomes links from other web sites to its National Nature Reserves site.
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