The Council has the power to designate Local Nature Reserves in terms of, and as described in, Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Local nature reserves are areas of high natural interest, such as SSSIs or SINCs, that are not just protected but actually managed and improved, with the conservation of nature as a priority concern. They can fulfil formal education and research roles and/or provide opportunities for informal enjoyment of nature by the public.

National Planning Policy Guideline 14: Natural Heritage (NPPG 14) makes it clear that local plans should make appropriate provision for local nature reserves. The Council’s approved Wildlife and Nature Conservation Policy stresses that the Council will have regard to wildlife in managing its own landholdings and declare local nature reserves, as appropriate.

There will be a presumption against any development or change of use likely to have an adverse effect, either directly or indirectly, on land and/or water designated as a local nature reserve.

Only proposals that concur with the approved Management Plan for the local nature reserve will be permitted.

ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY DESIGNATION 

Environmental policy designations cover the built and natural heritage of Glasgow. These areas are important because of their environmental quality, biological diversity and/or their historic, architectural or archaeological significance, and contribute positively to the quality of the environment, image and diversity of the City. The different types of environmental policy designations are listed in the key of the Environmental Policy Designations maps.

Existing Local Nature Reserves