Nature Reserves
What is a Nature Reserve?
There is no simple answer to this question! There are many types
of nature reserves and there are many different types of
designation given to areas because of the special wildlife that
they contain. In Perth and Kinross, we have both nature reserves
and designated areas, all of which are protected to help the
wildlife that uses them.
Can we visit a nature reserve or designated area?
In short, yes. Many of the nature reserves and designated areas
in Perth and Kinross are accessible to some extent to members of
the public who would like to see them. However, you should ensure
that you follow the guidance given in the Scottish Outdoor Access
Code and make sure that by visiting these areas you do not
cause disturbance to wildlife.
Where can we visit a nature reserve?
+ Loch Leven
National Nature Reserve
+ Ben Lawers National
Nature Reserve
+
The Inner Tay Estuary Local Nature Reserve
Where else can we visit?
There are lots of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI's)
in Perth and Kinross and many of these are accessible
to visitors. A SSSI may be designated for a number of reasons
from botanical interest (plants) to geological interest
(rocks).
Some of the other designations in Perth and Kinross
include, Special Areas of Conservation (SAC's) and Specially
Protected Areas (SPA's). The River Tay is an example of a SAC - it
is protected because of the variety and number of birds that use
it, as well as some of the special animals that live in it,
including the Freshwater Pearl Muscle.
There are other places you can visit to get up close to
wildlife
The Loch of the Lowes Visitor Centre, run by the Scottish
Wildlife Trust (SWT) has a viewing area, bird hide and a
live nest camera to give you spectacular views of some of
the wildlife that visits the loch - including the
magnificent Ospreys.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has a
visitor centre and reserve at Loch Leven. This includes a
small area of the National Nature Reserve. As well as bird hides,
there is an indoor viewing area where visitors can make use of
telescopes and binoculars.
