National Nature Reserves Award (NNRA)

08/04/2026 Off By Camping and Hiking

Table of Contents

About Scotland’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs)

National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are areas designated to protect Scotland’s most important habitats and species while allowing people to enjoy them responsibly.

Scotland currently has 43 NNRs, covering just under 2% of the country’s land area. These outstanding sites represent the very best of Scotland’s natural heritage and include:

Mountain summits
Ancient woodlands
Remote islands with large seabird colonies
Lowland lochs that serve as vital staging posts for migratory birds

Only NNRs that are active at the time of application submission are valid for this award programme.

General Conditions

All awards are issued in accordance with the GMFF General Rules.
Participation is limited to licensed radio amateurs who are current GMFF members.
All QSOs must comply with amateur radio regulations and GMFF requirements.
The Award Manager reserves the right to request proof of any QSO, including confirmation from the activator.
All information provided in the application must be accurate and complete.

Chaser Awards – “Hunter Series”

The NNRA Hunter Series is awarded for confirmed contacts with GMFF activations from Scottish National Nature Reserves.

Award Levels

NNRA 10 – Contacts with 10 different NNRs
NNRA 20 – Contacts with 20 different NNRs
NNRA 30 – Contacts with 30 different NNRs
NNRA 40 – Contacts with 40 different NNRs

Requirements

Each QSO must be with a valid GMFF activation.
Each contact must represent a different Scottish NNR.
All references must be listed in the official NNRA list.

Activator Awards – “Explorer Series”

The NNRA Explorer Series is awarded to operators and club stations activating Scottish National Nature Reserves.

Award Levels

NNRA Explorer 10 – 10 different NNR activations
NNRA Explorer 20 – 20 different NNR activations
NNRA Explorer 30 – 30 different NNR activations
NNRA Explorer 40 – 40 different NNR activations

Activation Requirements

Operation must take place within the official boundaries of the NNR.
Where this is not possible, operation is permitted within 500 metres of the nearest boundary point.