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Nature Reserves


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www.pkc.gov.uk > Planning and the environment > Countryside and wildlife > Countryside management and conservation > Nature Reserves
 
Snow at Kinnoull Hill

Nature Reserves

Last updated | 29/06/2007

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?

  • National Nature Reserves

+ Loch Leven National Nature Reserve
+ Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve

  • Local Nature Reserves

+ 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). 

+ Find details about SSSI's in Scotland

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. 

+ Find details about SAC's in Scotland

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.

+ Loch of the Lowes

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. 

+ Vane Farm