A nature reserve is an area of importance for wildlife, flora, fauna or features of geological or other special interest, which is reserved and managed for conservation and to provide special opportunities for study or research. Nature reserves may be designated by government institutions in some countries, such as the United Kingdom, or by private landowners, such as charities and research institutions, regardless of nationality.

In New Zealand a number of separate distinctions are made for the term nature reserves. Wilderness areas, National Parks, scenic reserves, scientific reserves and forest parks are all types of nature reserves with varying degrees of protection.

See also

• Conservation designation
• Protected area
• Special Protection Area
• Biosphere Reserve
• National park
• Country park
• Pocket park
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserves (UK)
• United States Fish and Wildlife Service
  • National Wildlife Refuge