Visitor management on NNRs

While NNRs are managed primarily for nature conservation they are also places where people are welcome to visit and explore.  People bring a different dimension to how we manage Reserves.  We have to carefully balance between meeting the needs of wildlife with those of visitors.

The following provides examples of specific people management issues on two Reserves.

Ben Lawers NNR

Ben Lawers NNR  is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.

Much of our nature conservation work involves rare 'species recovery' and 'habitat restoration' programmes.

With high numbers of visitors mostly wanting to walk up the hill this has created some problems with erosion of the fragile upland habitats.  Managing the upland path is one of the biggest and costly ongoing management activities at Ben Lawers. 

For more information on how the National Trust for Scotland manage the paths at Ben Lawers visit their property page  .

There is also a Nature Trail and a Ranger Service  which offers guided walks and Ranger led school visits.

Beinn Eighe NNR

Beinn Eighe NNR, the UK's first National Nature Reserve, receives approximately 50,000 visitors a year and has long been offering a warm welcome to people.  There are a whole range of paths to suit all abilities, offering short quiz walks, loch side walks, woodland and mountain trails.  The Visitor Centre cleverly introduces the sights, sounds and science of the Reserve and won 2 prestiguous awards in 2004.

Highland Council Rangers and SNH staff offer guided walks and the long established field station at Anancaun provides accommodation for volunteers and students.