LNR

Natural England

Local Nature Reserves
How are Local Nature Reserves managed?

A Local Nature Reserve (LNR) must be managed so that the features which gave the place its special interest are maintained. Well managed, the LNR will continue to make an important contribution to local biodiversity which future generations of people can enjoy.
Good management is needed if the value of a reserve for its wildlife or geological interest is to be enhanced. Almost all habitats - eg coppiced woodland, grazing meadows or heathland - will require careful management merely to maintain their nature conservation value.
When declaring an LNR, the local authority accepts responsibility for ensuring that the special interest of the land is maintained. It must, therefore, consider carefully exactly how the reserve is to be managed - and by whom - and what resources will be needed. Producing a simple management plan will help and all LNRs should have one. Many organisations can offer advice about this. Natural England’s publication Managing Local Nature Reserves offers an excellent and comprehensive guide.
A growing number of LNRs is managed by local community volunteer groups, “Friends of” groups or organisations like county Wildlife Trusts, in agreement with the local authority. Where the reserve is managed by the local authority itself, management committees with representatives of local organisations can offer helpful advice. Some LNRs now have Junior Management Boards, made up of local school children, to offer a young person’s perspective on the reserve. Many LNRs are used extensively by schools. All LNR managers should seek the involvement of the local education authority so that the full potential of the LNR for education is realised.
Site-based rangers (funded, for example, by the local authority, sponsorship, or through Lottery projects) are particularly useful in helping to make the most of the LNR for both people and wildlife.