A Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. It allows principal local authorities – district, borough and unitary councils – in England, Scotland and Wales to protect areas containing wildlife or geological features that are of special local interest.[2] Designated sites are usually owned by their local authority, but are often managed by a local county Wildlife Trust.[3]
Parish and town councils in England have no direct authority to designate LNRs, but that power can be delegated to them by their principal local authority under section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972.[2]