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Countryside Council for Wales
Landscape & wildlife

National Nature Reserves

There are 71 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in Wales ranging in size from half a hectare to nearly 8,000 hectares.

National Nature Reserves – what are they?

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are the very best examples of wildlife habitats and sites and may include interesting geological features. They range from high mountain summits, ancient oak woods, wetlands, bogs and sand dunes to remote off-shore islands. All are special in their own way, some having remarkable collections of species, others displaying rare types of habitat, and a few containing notable natural features such as rock formations or cave systems.

All of the reserves are also Sites of Special Scientific Interest and may be used for educational projects, research and management trials.

How are they managed?

Our aim is that NNRs will set the standard of management for nature conservation and access.  CCW owns some NNRs and leases others.  In some cases we work in partnerships with landowners and occupiers who agree to use and manage the land in a way that benefits wildlife and their habitats.  Some NNRs are managed entirely by other bodies such as County Wildlife Trusts, the RSPB or a local authority.

Each CCW reserve has a dedicated management team with a programme of work to manage the site's special features. Some reserves have resident wardens, who help with conserving the quality of the site, access issues, dealing with landowners and visitors and supervising research.

Visiting NNRs

Visitors are welcomed, provided access to the site is safe and that their presence does not damage habitats or wildlife or interfere with the interests of owners and tenants. You may need a permit to visit some of the reserves.

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Maes-y-Ffynnon
Penrhosgarnedd
Bangor
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LL57 2DW
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