Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are important natural resources for both wildlife and people.
Any area of countryside can be designated as an LNR providing:
- it is over 2 hectares in area
- it is able to be managed for nature conservation
- it has some educational or recreational value
- it has wildlife or geological features which are locally important​
The Local Authority should have an interest in the site either as owners, leaseholders or have a conservation agreement with the owners. Proposals for managing the site should be developed in consultation with local people.
Designating a site as an LNR demonstrates commitment from the landowner to the future protection of local natural resources. Although sites are designated by the Local Authority, English Nature, the Government Agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England, have to be consulted as a condition of the legal Act that gives the powers of designation.
6 LNRs have already been designated in Redcar & Cleveland:
- Clarkson's Wood - 13 hectares
- Loftus woods - 28 hectares
- Guisborough Branch Walkway - 1hectares
- Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park - 49 hectares
- Errington Woods - 70 hectares
- Eston Moor - 101 hectares​