The Davan catchment is part of a complex area of glacial topography and granite hills, containing fine examples of nutrient-poor lochs, reedbeds and basin mires, birch and pine woodland, and species-rich heath. There are few areas of comparable habitat diversity in northern Scotland. These habitats support a wide range of nationally and internationally important species including Atlantic salmon, otter, greylag geese and golden eagles.

The number of nature conservation designations for the area reflects its important status. The following designated nature conservation sites are found partly within the boundaries of the Davan sub-catchment:

Muir of Dinnet Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Notified for a range of habitats, species and geological interests including nutrient-poor lochs, reedbeds and basin mires, birch and pine woodland and species-rich heath.

Muir of Dinnet Special Area of Conservation (SAC)
Submitted for its nutrient-poor lochs, including Loch Davan and, also, its heathland, bogland and otters.

Muir of Dinnet Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site
Designated for its internationally important autumn passage and wintering population of Icelandic greylag geese.

Morven & Mullachdubh SSSI
Notified for its habitats including its heaths, mires, grasslands and bogs, its geological features, and its ornithological features such as golden eagle, buzzard, merlin, peregrine, hen harrier and short-eared owl, all of which regularly hunt over the area.

River Dee SAC
Submitted for its otters, Atlantic salmon, and freshwater pearl mussels.