Ardersier Common to be declared a new nature reserve

Highland councillors have agreed to declare an area of shoreline on the Inner Moray Firth as a local nature reserve (LNR).

The almost 47 acres (19ha) at Ardersier Common provides habitat for birds such as tern, curlew and goldfinch and it is also home to rare species of flowers and butterflies.

An LNR is a protected area of land designated by a local authority because of its special natural interest or educational value.

The designation means Highland Council can begin developing a management plan for the area to facilitate improvements and support nature recovery.

Ardersier and Petty Community Council approached Highland Council last year about securing LNR status.

The area of grassland, scrub and woodland is owned by five different landowners, including Highland Council, Scottish Water and the Ministry of Defence.

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

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

Ardersier Common will be the 102nd LNR in Scotland and only the second in the Highlands alongside Merkinch LNR.