Nature Reserves

What are nature reserves?  Nature reserves are a form of protected area, such as National Nature Reserves (NNR) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR).  In Scotland, there are 43 NNRs (NatureScot, 2024a) and 96 LNRs (NatureScot 2024b), all of which are  carefully managed by conservation teams from organisations such as NatureScot, RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Wildlife Trust to name a few (NatureScot, 2024a). Most NNRs contain nationally or internationally important habitats and species (NatureScot, 2024a) whereas LNRs are areas of natural heritage that are locally important (NatureScot, 2024b). In 2020, it was reported that over 1 million people had visited Scotlands National Nature Reserves (Harrison, 2020).

Forvie National Nature Reserve (NNR) is located north of Newburgh in Aberdeenshire (fig.1) and covers 1,000 hectares of internationally important coastal habitats between the North Sea and the River Ythan estuary (NatureScot, n.d.a). Known for its vast, shifting sand dunes, which have been compared to the Sahara Desert (VisitAberdeenshire, 2024a), Forvie is a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. It hosts one of Britain’s largest breeding colonies of eider ducks, along with four species of breeding terns, wildfowl, waders, and a significant seal colony at the Ythan estuary (NatureScot, n.d.a). The reserve attracts over 30,000 visitors annually, drawn by its natural beauty and wildlife (NatureScot, n.d.a). 
Management efforts focus on preserving the delicate coastal habitats, controlling invasive species, and protecting bird colonies through different measures like closing off areas to the public and installing electric fencing to deter predators (NatureScot, n.d.a). The reserve also overlaps with other protected areas such as:
• Buchan Ness to Collieston Coast Special Protection Area
• Sands of Forvie Special Area of Conservation
• Sands of Forvie and Ythan Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest
• Ythan Estuary and Meikle Loch Ramsar Site
• Ythan Estuary, Sands of Forvie and Meikle Loch Special Protection Area
• Ythan Seal Haul Out Site(NatureScot, n.d.a)

Forvie’s rich history is revealed through its ever-shifting dunes, which occasionally uncover hidden layers, such as the ruins of Forvie Kirk (NatureScot, n.d.b). The reserve’s management is guided by a 10-year plan, ensuring that its natural treasures continue to thrive while providing an engaging experience for visitors (NatureScot, n.d.a).

Donmouth Local Nature Reserve is located within historic Old Aberdeen and is a dynamic beach site renowned for its ever-changing landscape as the river continually shifts its course. Designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1992, it is a prime spot for observing seals, a variety of birds, and finding interesting plant life within the dunes and beach areas (VisitAberdeenshire, 2024a). Visitors can follow pathways from King Street to the historical Brig o' Balgownie, the original northern bridge into the city, and down to the estuary of the Don. A bird hide offers excellent shelter for wildlife observation, located at the north of the beach esplanade. While the paths are generally good, wheelchair access to the beach can be challenging due to sand-covered boardwalks. For safety, visitors are advised to stay on designated paths to avoid potential hazards like quicksand and dune erosion (VisitAberdeenshire, 2024b).At the time of writing, there are no official visitor numbers to Donmouth LNR.

St Cyrus National Nature Reserve is located just north of Montrose. Known for its golden sandy beaches, volcanic cliffs, and vibrant wildflowers, the reserve is one of the most diverse in Great Britain, home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including peregrine falcons, grey seals, dolphins, and the occasional orca sightings (VisitAberdeenshire, 2024a). The management of the reserve prioritises the protection and enhancement of its diverse coastal habitats. This is achieved by maintaining the rich grasslands through cutting, scrub and bracken control, and cattle grazing, which promotes wildflower growth and supports a wide array of invertebrates by creating a rich nectar source (NatureScot, n.d.c).
Natural processes are allowed to shape the dunes, estuary, and wetlands, with minimal human intervention, except for managing visitor-caused erosion on dune paths. A visitor centre and interpretive displays are provided in an attempt to enhance visitor experiences, with plans to upgrade these facilities by improving the welcome area and offer more engaging information about the reserve (NatureScot, n.d.c). The reserve's management is guided by a carefully crafted 10-year plan, ensuring that its unique qualities are preserved, allowing visitors to continue enjoying and engaging with nature (NatureScot, n.d.c). At the time of writing, there are no recent visitor numbers to St Cyrus NNR.

Longhaven Cliffs is a stunning wildlifereserve that boasts pink-red granite cliffs that rise from the sea, offering breathtaking views of seabird colonies and remarkable geological features such as sea stacks, caves, and arches. The reserve is located 4.5 miles south of Peterhead and 2 miles North of Cruden Bay, occupying a 1.5 mile stretch of coastline. Seals are often seen basking on the rocks below, and during the summer, the reserve elegantly displays an array of vibrant wildflowers. The best time to visit is between May and August, this allows you to fully appreciate the various seabirds and plants, while the coastal geology can be admired year-round. Visitors usually come to Longhaven Cliffs for birdwatching, exploring grasslands, and enjoying wildflowers while taking in the beautiful coastal scenery (Scottish Wildlife Trust, n.d.). At the time of writing, there are no official visitor numbers to the Longhaven Cliffs wildlife reserve.