Highland Council Approves Local Nature Reserve Status for Ardersier Common
Highland councillors have agreed to designate a shoreline area on the Inner Moray Firth as a local nature reserve (LNR).
The site, covering nearly 47 acres (19 hectares) at Ardersier Common, supports habitats for bird species including tern, curlew, and goldfinch, and is also home to rare flowers and butterflies.
An LNR is a protected land area designated by a local authority due to its special natural interest or educational value.
This designation enables Highland Council to develop a management plan aimed at enhancing the site and promoting nature recovery.
Ardersier and Petty Community Council approached Highland Council last year to seek LNR status for the area.
The common consists of grassland, scrub, and woodland, and is owned by five different landowners, including Highland Council, Scottish Water, and the Ministry of Defence.
In a report to councillors, Highland Council officials described the common as an
"important rest area"for migratory birds and insects.
Other wildlife found at Ardersier, near Nairn, includes badgers, roe deer, common lizard, and horse leech.
Significance and Future Management
Ardersier Common will become the 102nd local nature reserve in Scotland and only the second within the Highlands, alongside Merkinch LNR.
