F2 Schedule 2 - National Nature Reserves and Local Nature Reserves

The concept of Nature Reserves was introduced into legislation by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Section 16 of the Act gives English Nature (formerly the Nature Conservancy Council) the power to designate areas of land that contain flora, fauna, geological or physiographical attributes of national interest as National Nature Reserves. The intent of Nature Reserves is to preserve them for the future and to provide opportunities for their study and research. National Nature Reserves are managed by English Nature or a body approved by them. Of the 164 National Nature Reserves in England, 4 are situated in North Norfolk.

Similarly, Section 21 of the same Act empowers local authorities to provide for the establishment of Local Nature Reserves and their management. By 1990 there were 443 Local Nature Reserves in England, and 5 were in North Norfolk.