nature reserve

Meaning

A nature reserve is an area of land managed to preserve its flora, fauna, or physical features. It is a protected environment where wildlife can live safely without threat from heavy human development. Travelers visit these areas for hiking, birdwatching, and low-impact eco-tourism.

Examples

• You can see several rare bird species if you visit the local nature reserve.

  You can see several rare bird species if you visit the local nature reserve.

• The government declared the wetlands a nature reserve to protect the endangered frogs.

  The government declared the wetlands a nature reserve to protect the endangered frogs.

• We went hiking in the nature reserve, but we had to stay strictly on the marked paths.

  We went hiking in the nature reserve, but we had to stay strictly on the marked paths.

• Camping is strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the nature reserve.

  Camping is strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the nature reserve.

• The nature reserve offers guided tours led by experienced local biologists.

  The nature reserve offers guided tours led by experienced local biologists.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We went to a natural reserve to see the wild animals.

  ✓ We went to a nature reserve to see the wild animals.

  Although 'natural' is an adjective, the standard established compound noun in English is 'nature reserve'.

• ✗ They protect the animals in this nature reservation.

  ✓ They protect the animals in this nature reserve.

  'Reservation' usually refers to land set aside for indigenous peoples or booking a table/room. Use 'reserve' for wildlife.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The local ___ is home to over two hundred species of wild orchids.

  💡 A protected area for plants and animals.

  Show answer

  nature reserve

• Visitors to the ___ must pack out all their trash to protect the wildlife.

  💡 Singular noun phrase.

  Show answer

  nature reserve