The biggest national nature reserve designation in the UK was approved by the Board of Scottish National Heritage this month.
The RSPB writes:
The UK’s newest and largest National Nature Reserve (NNR) – The Great Trossachs Forest – took a step closer to reality today (13 August), after it was approved by the Board of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH).
The Great Trossachs Forest NNR, which lies at the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, is home to magnificent wildlife in an area within an hour’s drive for 80% of Scotland’s population.
Speaking after the Board meeting, Ian Ross, the SNH chairman, said: ‘I’m delighted that our Board has today given the go-ahead to the new Great Trossachs Forest NNR. Covering 16,500 hectares it will be Scotland’s largest reserve, with a variety of wildlife, habitats, and landforms, including some of national or international importance such as ancient woodland, wet woodland and upland wood pasture. However, as well as being such an ecologically important site, The Great Trossachs Forest NNR clearly displays the key features associated with a NNR – it is nationally important, well managed and is inspiring and accessible to the public, offering a host of attractions for visitors to experience, savour, and enjoy. This stunning location is an inspirational backdrop for people to responsibly enjoy Scotland’s outstanding natural heritage.’
Scotland’s newest reserve covers a swathe of land from Inversnaid on the east bank of Loch Lomond, through Loch Katrine and Glen Finglas and almost as far as Callander.
