The Abernethy National Nature Reserve (NNR) extends to 12,755 hectares, and encompasses the majority of Abernethy Forest along with much of the adjoining landscape.
The Dell Woods section of Abernethy NNR is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), while the rest is under the management of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Originally the reserve covered only the core forested section of the currently designated area, and was named Abernethy Forest NNR.
The Dell Woods section was added 1988, forming a 375 hectare extension to the existing NNR.
In 2007, the NNR was greatly extended, becoming the new Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which extends from Abernethy Forest itself up into high Cairngorms, taking in Loch A'an and the mountains of Bynack More, Beinn Mheadhoin and the southern side of Cairn Gorm.
The Abernethy NNR is classified as a Category II protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Over 200 vascular plant species have been recorded at Abernethy NNR, including some nationally scarce species like twinflower and creeping lady's tresses.
Heath cudweed is also present in the reserve, classed as an endangered species.
The NNR also supports a diverse population of birds, with over 70 species recorded at the Reserve.
These include the Scottish crossbill, crested tit and capercaillie, which are all relatively rare species in Britain.
Other birds present at the Reserve include buzzards, tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers and sparrowhawks.
A variety of mammals have also been recorded at the reserve, including red and roe deer; red squirrels; common pipistrelles; more elusive otters and pine martens; and possible sightings of wildcats.
SNH has reported fourteen species of butterfly at the Reserve, including the pearl-bordered fritillary, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species.
The Abernethy National Nature Reserve (NNR) extends to 12,755 hectares, and encompasses the majority of Abernethy Forest along with much of the adjoining landscape. The Dell Woods section of Abernethy NNR is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), while the rest is under the management of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Originally the reserve covered only the core forested section of the currently designated area, and was named Abernethy Forest NNR. The Dell Woods section was added 1988, forming a 375 hectare extension to the existing NNR. In 2007, the NNR was greatly extended, becoming the new Abernethy National Nature Reserve, which extends from Abernethy Forest itself up into high Cairngorms, taking in Loch A'an and the mountains of Bynack More, Beinn Mheadhoin and the southern side of Cairn Gorm. The Abernethy NNR is classified as a Category II protected area by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Over 200 vascular plant species have been recorded at Abernethy NNR, including some nationally scarce species like twinflower and creeping lady's tresses. Heath cudweed is also present in the reserve, classed as an endangered species. The NNR also supports a diverse population of birds, with over 70 species recorded at the Reserve. These include the Scottish crossbill, crested tit and capercaillie, which are all relatively rare species in Britain. Other birds present at the Reserve include buzzards, tawny owls, great spotted woodpeckers and sparrowhawks. A variety of mammals have also been recorded at the reserve, including red and roe deer; red squirrels; common pipistrelles; more elusive otters and pine martens; and possible sightings of wildcats. SNH has reported fourteen species of butterfly at the Reserve, including the pearl-bordered fritillary, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species.
Abernethy Forest