Aberlady Bay and a coastal strip of land were first recommended as a Nature Reserve in the final
report of the Scottish Wild Life Conservation Committee in 1949 (Command 7814). This Command
states:
'NNR 16 Coastal Strip, Aberlady-Gullane, East Lothian
This coastal strip with a small area of salt marsh, dune and raised beach on the southern
shore of the Firth of Forth, has a characteristic maritime flora. It is one of the best areas of
its kind in South Scotland, and should be protected against any development which would
spoil it. The reserve includes the estuary of the Peffer Burn, and Aberlady Bay, which is a
fine wintering place for waders and wild fowl.'
The Nature Conservancy decided that the area was more suitable as a Local Nature Reserve, and
the Deputy County Clerk of East Lothian was informed of this decision on 30 October, 1951.
However, in November of that year, the Nature Conservancy agreed to give scientific advice about
the area whilst the County Council were to be responsible for management. The East Lothian
County Council announced their intention of establishing a Local Nature Reserve on 24 January,
1952.
Thus the primary reason for establishing the Reserve was conservation of the habitats associated
with a stretch of Southern Scottish coastline. It was considered that the habitats at Aberlady, and
their associated flora and fauna, were amongst the most important in Southern Scotland. It was
also considered to be an essential feature of the County Development Plan then under preparation.
