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| How are Local Nature Reserves
managed? |
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| A Local Nature Reserve (LNR)
must be managed so that the features which gave the place its special
interest are maintained. Well managed, the LNR will continue to make
an important contribution to local biodiversity which future generations
of people can enjoy. |
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| Good management is needed
if the value of a reserve for its wildlife or geological interest
is to be enhanced. Almost all habitats – eg coppiced woodland,
grazing meadows or heathland - will require careful management merely
to maintain their nature conservation value. |
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| When declaring an LNR, the
local authority accepts responsibility for ensuring that the special
interest of the land is maintained. It must, therefore, consider carefully
exactly how the reserve is to be managed – and by whom –
and what resources will be needed. Producing a simple management plan
will help and all LNRs should have one. Many organisations can offer
advice about this. Natural England’s publication Managing Local
Nature Reserves offers an excellent and comprehensive guide. |
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| A growing number of LNRs is
managed by local community volunteer groups, “Friends of”
groups or organisations like county Wildlife Trusts, in agreement
with the local authority. Where the reserve is managed by the local
authority itself, management committees with representatives of local
organisations can offer helpful advice. Some LNRs now have Junior
Management Boards, made up of local school children, to offer a young
person’s perspective on the reserve. Many LNRs are used extensively
by schools. All LNR managers should seek the involvement of the local
education authority so that the full potential of the LNR for education
is realised. |
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| Site-based rangers (funded,
for example, by the local authority, sponsorship, or through Lottery
projects) are particularly useful in helping to make the most of the
LNR for both people and wildlife. |
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