nature reserve

views updated

nature reserve An area of land set aside for nature conservation and associated scientific research, usually with strong legal protection against other uses. Public access may be restricted partially or completely. The precise status and definition of reserves varies from one country to another. The relative merits of the many criteria that govern the selection of nature reserves have been discussed extensively in recent ecological literature. In Britain, a key objective is to maintain a fully representative range of habitats and their flora and fauna; this is done by means of national nature reserves (NNR), controlled by statutory bodies, complemented by local nature reserves (LNR), of local rather than national or international interest and importance, managed by various agencies, especially by county naturalists' trusts, on behalf of local government. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) also manages many reserves.

More From encyclopedia.com