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Local Nature Reserves

Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are living green spaces which are important for people and support vibrant wildlife. They are important to the health and prosperity of our city, providing ecosystem services including absorbing carbon, cleaning the air, providing opportunities for pollinating insects and natural flood management. They are free for the public to visit, learn about nature and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of being outdoors in nature.

There are now 13 Local Nature Reserves in Plymouth (12 of these are owned and managed by Plymouth City Council in partnership with local communities). Volunteer groups are crucial in managing these sites, regular work parties and volunteer groups carry out management activities across the sites. For more information on these follow the link to the Nature Plymouth Facebook page or email wildlife@plymouth.gov.uk.

All unitary, district and county councils can acquire, declare and manage Local Nature Reserves.

In 2018 3 new reserves were designated bringing the total area of LNR within the city to 297 hectares – which is well above the national standard of 1 hectare for every 1000 people.