Directory of Nature Charities in Cheshire
Cheshire has a remarkably varied natural environment, encompassing the open landscapes of the Cheshire Plain, ancient woodlands, lowland raised bogs, meres and mosses, rivers, wetlands, heathlands and the distinctive sandstone landscapes of the Cheshire Sandstone Ridge. The county supports a wide range of wildlife and habitats, with conservation organisations working to protect important sites, restore ecosystems, improve ecological connectivity and encourage communities to take action for nature. The wider Cheshire region also benefits from an established network of wildlife recording groups and environmental partnerships.
This directory brings together Cheshire-based and Cheshire-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist recording groups. It includes organisations working directly to protect habitats and species alongside groups involved in environmental recording, landscape conservation, woodland creation and community action. Together they provide a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support, volunteer with or learn more about nature conservation in Cheshire.
Nature Charities in Cheshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, and alliances.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is the region’s principal independent nature conservation charity, protecting wildlife and restoring habitats across Cheshire and neighbouring areas. It manages a substantial network of nature reserves, works with farmers and landowners to create connected habitats, campaigns for nature recovery and provides numerous opportunities for volunteering and community involvement.
Cheshire Local Nature Partnership brings together organisations, businesses and communities to promote nature recovery across Cheshire. It provides strategic leadership on biodiversity and the natural environment, helping partners coordinate habitat restoration, ecological networks and nature-based solutions while ensuring that environmental priorities are considered alongside social and economic needs.
RECORD is the Local Environmental Records Centre for Cheshire, Halton, Warrington and Wirral. It collects, manages and shares information about species, habitats and important wildlife sites, providing valuable evidence for conservation, planning and research. It also supports a large network of volunteer wildlife recorders and specialist natural-history groups.
Sandstone Ridge Trust works to conserve, connect and celebrate the distinctive landscapes of Cheshire’s Sandstone Ridge. The 230-square-kilometre ridge contains important habitats, geological features and historic landscapes stretching from Frodsham to Malpas. The Trust promotes conservation, public enjoyment and greater understanding of this distinctive part of Cheshire.
The Mersey Forest is Cheshire and Merseyside’s Community Forest, working with partners to expand and improve trees, woodlands and other habitats. More than ten million trees have been established since the initiative began, helping improve biodiversity, climate resilience and access to green space across both urban and rural areas of Cheshire.
CPRE Cheshire campaigns to protect the county’s countryside, landscapes and rural communities. Its work includes responding to development proposals, promoting sustainable planning and encouraging people to appreciate and protect the character of Cheshire’s countryside and green spaces.
Cheshire and Wirral Ornithological Society promotes the study, recording and conservation of birds across Cheshire and Wirral. Its activities help build knowledge of local bird populations and provide opportunities for people to develop their interest in birdwatching, wildlife recording and bird conservation.
Mid-Cheshire Ornithological Society encourages interest in birds and their conservation across central Cheshire. Through bird recording, field activities and sharing local knowledge, the society contributes to understanding the county’s birdlife and the habitats on which it depends.
Cheshire Moth Group promotes the recording and study of moths across the county. Its specialist knowledge and wildlife records contribute to a better understanding of Cheshire’s insect biodiversity and help provide evidence about changes in species and habitats.
Cheshire Bat Group promotes the conservation and study of bats across the county. Through recording, monitoring, surveys and public engagement, the group helps improve knowledge of local bat populations and encourages practical measures to protect roosts and feeding habitats.
Cheshire Badger Group works to protect and understand badgers across the county. Local badger groups provide advice, undertake recording and monitoring, respond to welfare concerns and promote greater public understanding of badgers and the habitats in which they live.
Lancashire & Cheshire Entomology Society promotes the study and recording of insects across the two counties. Its specialist work contributes valuable information about insect distribution and biodiversity, supporting a better understanding of some of the most diverse and ecologically important groups within the natural environment.
Lower Moss Wood combines a wildlife hospital with an educational nature reserve near Knutsford. It provides care for injured and orphaned native wildlife while also offering opportunities for people to learn about local species and conservation. The reserve provides an additional setting for environmental education and community engagement.
Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre near Nantwich is an RSPCA facility specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. It provides specialist care for wild animals while also contributing to public awareness of wildlife welfare and responsible interaction with native species.