Highland Council has formally designated Ardersier Common as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), recognising the site’s outstanding wildlife value and the community that has long championed it.
This will secure its long-term protection for both nature and the people who enjoy it.
Stretching across approximately 18.9 hectares of Moray Firth coastline near Ardersier, the site supports a rich mosaic of habitats including coastal scrub, shingle and species-rich grassland, and is noted for its wildflowers and invertebrates. Among its highlights are small blue butterflies — Scotland's smallest butterfly.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: "The designation of Ardersier Common as a Local Nature Reserve is an exciting milestone for Highland and a positive step towards protecting and enhancing our biodiversity. Highland Council has worked in close partnership with local communities and with partners including the MoD, Scottish Water, private landowners, High Life Highland to safeguard a diverse area of important native habitats.
“The Council will continue to work closely with the local LNR management group and other stakeholders to ensure that Ardersier Common is cared for in a way that reflects its ecological importance and the needs of the community who value it. I look forward to seeing this partnership grow and to a positive long-term future for the reserve."
The designation reflects the importance of the site to the local community and its wildlife value, brought to fruition by Highland Council working with the Ministry of Defence, Scottish Water and private landowners.
Ardersier Common becomes only the second Local Nature Reserve in Highland, reflecting the exceptional quality of the site and the strength of the partnership that made designation possible.
Work will now begin with the local management group to develop a management plan for the reserve, ensuring the community remains at the heart of how Ardersier Common is managed for years to come.
Local Nature Reserves are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and are managed for both wildlife and public enjoyment. The site is open to the public year-round and is accessible from the existing car park on the B9006 just north of Ardersier.