Local Nature Reserves

What is a Local Nature Reserve?

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are places that have a natural value in terms of the rarity or special qualities of the wildlife and/or the wildlife habitat that can be found there. For instance one (Commonhead Moss) is a raised bog, a very rare and threatened habitat in Glasgow, whilst others have rare species such as the purple hairstreak butterfly found in woodland habitat at Garscadden Woods and Dawsholm Park LNR's.

They are also important places in which people can explore, enjoy and learn about nature and its value to Glasgow. Because of this most of them have active involvement from the local community living near them, including schools, students, friends groups and other local interest groups.

Where can I find them?

Currently there are 17 Local Nature Reserves in Glasgow. These are scattered widely throughout the city from Robroyston Park in the north to Cathkin Braes in the south of the city. They range in size from large sites that form a complex landscape of wildlife habitat (e.g Cathkin Braes LNR) to small sites with smaller wildlife habitats but which form integral parts of wider nature networks  (e.g. Malls Mire LNR).

Five of the LNR's in the north of the city (Bishop Loch, Cardowan Moss, Commonhead Moss, Todd's Well and Hogganfield Park LNR's) are currently within the Seven Lochs Wetland Park. This chain of LNR's in close proximity to each other form an important link in the habitat network within the Wetland Park and will hopefully include new LNR's at some point in the future.