National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are some of the very finest sites in England for wildlife and geology, and provide great opportunities for people to experience nature.

They have been established to protect and manage the special wildlife habitats, species and geological features that occur there. These features are of national and often international importance, and many NNRs are important for study and research. Almost all NNRs have some form of access provision – many are fully open throughout the year - as we want people to enjoy these wonderful places.

At present there is one Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) in England, which is Lundy Island in Devon.

At the end of September 2006, there were 222 reserves, covering over 92,000 hectares