Locally known as the Ressie, Coves Nature Reserve is located across from Inverclyde Royal Hospital. It was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in April 1998 and covers 48 hectares of mixed habitat which includes: 2 reservoirs, hedgerows, woodland and un-improved neutral grassland, all set within an urban environment. It also has historical significance through the reservoirs (once the main water supply to Gourock), the WWII anti-aircraft battery, copper mines and was once a farming estate. Thus it has strong cultural ties to the community.

Friends of Coves Community Nature Reserve consists of a small group of people that have come together to form a permanent body with the ambitious goal of overseeing the maintenance of this beautiful natural and historical landscape. Constituted in March 2019, our primary goal is to create an inclusive place for all to enjoy and learn about the natural, historical & cultural heritage found at Coves Local Nature Reserve.

On August 31st, some of our members along with volunteer support from the Royal Bank of Scotland, will undertake the 18 mile coastal walk, Inverclyde Stride. This walk will commence at Parklea Branching Out and finish at the Inverkip Community Hub with an end goal of raising awareness of CCNR and raising funds for secure tool storage to expand our work.