Directory of Nature Charities in Berkshire
Berkshire has a diverse natural environment, from the extensive heathlands and commons of the Thames Basin and West Berkshire to ancient woodland, chalk grasslands, wetlands, rivers and the countryside surrounding its towns. A wide range of charities, conservation organisations, wildlife societies and environmental partnerships work across the county to protect habitats, monitor wildlife, restore landscapes and encourage people to take an active interest in nature.
This directory brings together Berkshire organisations with a significant connection to nature, wildlife, conservation and the wider environment. It includes major conservation charities alongside local societies, countryside organisations, environmental partnerships and specialist groups involved in wildlife recording and habitat protection. It is intended as a useful starting point for anyone looking to support conservation, volunteer, learn about local wildlife or discover organisations working for nature across Berkshire.
Nature Charities in Berkshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, and alliances.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust is the principal voluntary nature conservation organisation covering Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. It manages a large network of nature reserves, protects important habitats and species, campaigns for nature and works with communities, landowners and other organisations to encourage wildlife recovery. Its Berkshire work includes important heathlands, wetlands, grasslands and woodlands.
The Berkshire Local Nature Partnership brings together organisations from conservation, government, business, education and other sectors to promote the protection and enhancement of Berkshire’s natural environment. It provides strategic leadership on biodiversity, ecological networks, green infrastructure and sustainable land management, helping coordinate nature recovery across the county.
Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre is the Local Environmental Records Centre for Berkshire and Oxfordshire. It collects, manages and analyses information about species, habitats and important wildlife sites, providing ecological data that supports conservation, research and planning. It also works with local wildlife recorders and maintains extensive biodiversity information for Berkshire.
Berkshire Ornithological Club promotes the study, enjoyment and conservation of wild birds across the county. It supports wildlife recording and surveys, provides conservation advice and contributes to habitat management, while its Birds of Berkshire Conservation Fund provides grants for local bird conservation projects. The club also maintains an important body of information about Berkshire’s birdlife.
CPRE Berkshire is a countryside charity campaigning for a thriving rural environment across the county. Its work includes protecting landscapes and green spaces, promoting sustainable development and encouraging people to value and enjoy the countryside. It also engages with nature and ecology issues affecting Berkshire’s rural and urban communities.
The West Berkshire Countryside Society promotes understanding, enjoyment and conservation of the countryside in the western part of the county. It combines educational activities, walks and talks with practical conservation work, bringing together local people interested in protecting the area’s landscapes, habitats and wildlife.
The Greenham & Crookham Commons Commission oversees the conservation and management of one of Berkshire’s most important heathland landscapes. Covering around 500 hectares, the Commons support a rich variety of wildlife and form an important Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Commission works with landowners, BBOWT and other partners to protect the area’s ecology while maintaining public access.
Lavell’s Wetland Trust is a conservation charity associated with Lavell’s Lake and the surrounding wetland habitat near Woodley. The site is particularly valuable for birds and other wildlife, while the trust supports its protection and enhancement.
Berkshire Mammal Group brings together people interested in the county’s wild mammals and their conservation. Specialist local recording groups such as this play an important role in improving knowledge of mammal populations, encouraging wildlife recording and helping identify conservation priorities across Berkshire.
Berkshire Bat Group promotes the conservation of bats and their habitats across the county. Through recording, surveys, advice and public engagement, local bat groups help improve understanding of Berkshire’s bat populations and encourage practical measures that protect these important nocturnal mammals.
Berkshire Reptile and Amphibian Group focuses on the county’s reptiles and amphibians, supporting their conservation through recording, surveys and local knowledge. Its work helps identify important populations and habitats while encouraging greater public awareness of species such as frogs, newts, lizards, slow worms and snakes.