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New nature reserve proposed for Ardersier Common

News imageGetty Images The goldfinch is sitting among thistles. The bird has red, white and black markings on its head, and brown, black and yellow on its body.Getty Images
Goldfinch are among Ardersier Common's wildlife

A long strip of shoreline on the Inner Moray Firth could be set to be designated a local nature reserve (LNR).

Ardersier Common provides habitat for birds such as tern, curlew and goldfinch and it has rare coralroot orchid flowers and dingy skipper butterflies.

The almost 47 acres (19ha) of grassland, scrub and woodland is owned by a number of landowners, including Highland Council, Scottish Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Councillors will be asked to approve the LNR at a meeting on Thursday.

News imageMikePennington/Geograph The common is close to the sea. It is a flat area with a path. The tide is out revealing a long strip of shingle.MikePennington/Geograph
Ardersier Common is on a shore of the Moray Firth

Other wildlife in the area at Ardersier, near Nairn, include badgers, roe deer common lizard and horse leech.

In a report to councillors, Highland Council officials said the common was an "important rest area" for migratory birds and insects.

A community consultation on the LNR plans was held in February.

News imageA map of Scotland showing the locations of Ardersier, Inverness and Aberdeen.

The council officials said: "A local nature reserve is a place with special local natural interest, set up to protect nature, and for people to enjoy and appreciate.

"They offer a natural environment, in contrast with formal open green spaces such as parks and gardens but are still readily accessible to people."

If declared an LNR, Ardersier Common would be the 102nd in Scotland and only the second in the Highlands alongside Merkinch LNR.