Directory of Nature Charities in Cumbria
Cumbria contains some of England’s most spectacular and ecologically important landscapes, from the mountains, lakes and valleys of the Lake District to the Solway Coast, limestone pavements, peatlands, woodlands, rivers and coastal habitats. These varied environments support an exceptional range of wildlife and have attracted a strong network of organisations working to conserve habitats, restore landscapes, protect species and encourage people to connect with nature.
This directory brings together Cumbria-based and Cumbria-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife groups and specialist societies. It includes organisations working across the county as well as those concentrating on particular landscapes, habitats or species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support conservation, volunteer or learn more about Cumbria’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Cumbria
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading independent nature conservation charity, managing nature reserves and protecting habitats from the coast and wetlands to woodlands and uplands. Its work includes practical conservation, species recovery, wildlife recording, environmental education and community engagement across Cumbria.
Cumbria Local Nature Partnership brings organisations together to coordinate action for the county’s natural environment. Its work supports biodiversity recovery, sustainable land management, ecological connectivity and nature-based solutions, helping conservation organisations, landowners, businesses and communities work towards shared environmental goals.
Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre collects and manages information about the county’s wildlife, habitats and important natural sites. Its data supports conservation, ecological research and planning, while its network of recorders and natural-history groups helps improve knowledge of Cumbria’s biodiversity.
The Lake District National Park Authority works to conserve and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the Lake District. Its environmental work includes habitat restoration, woodland creation, nature recovery and landscape management, alongside protecting the National Park for people and wildlife.
Lake District Foundation is a conservation charity working to protect the Lake District and wider Cumbria through practical environmental projects, volunteering and community engagement. Its work includes habitat restoration, woodland and peatland conservation, litter reduction and initiatives helping people care for the countryside.
Friends of the Lake District campaigns to protect the landscapes and natural environment of the Lake District and Cumbria. Its work includes responding to threats from inappropriate development, promoting sustainable transport and supporting policies that protect the area’s distinctive landscapes and wildlife.
West Cumbria Rivers Trust works to improve the health of rivers and streams across western Cumbria. Its projects include habitat restoration, river monitoring, natural flood management and community engagement, helping create healthier waterways and better conditions for aquatic wildlife.
Eden Rivers Trust works to restore and protect the River Eden and its tributaries. Its conservation projects improve river habitats, water quality and fish populations while addressing wider pressures such as flooding, diffuse pollution and habitat fragmentation.
South Cumbria Rivers Trust works across the county’s southern catchments to improve rivers, streams and their surrounding habitats. It delivers practical restoration, monitoring and community projects designed to improve water quality, biodiversity and the resilience of local waterways.
Solway Coast National Landscape works with landowners, communities and conservation organisations to protect the distinctive landscapes and wildlife of the Solway coast. Its work includes habitat management, nature recovery, sustainable farming and projects connecting people with the area’s internationally important coastal environment.
Cumbria Coastal Community Forest is an ambitious programme to expand and improve tree cover along the county’s west coast. It aims to create new woodland and wildlife habitat while providing benefits for climate resilience, landscape quality, communities and access to green space.
Cumbria Bird Club promotes the study, recording and conservation of birds across the county. Its activities include field meetings, surveys and bird recording, contributing valuable information about Cumbria’s bird populations and supporting wider interest in bird conservation.
Cumbria Mammal Group promotes the recording and study of the county’s wild mammals. Its work helps build knowledge of species distribution and population changes while encouraging greater interest in mammal conservation and the habitats on which local species depend.
Cumberland Bat Group is a voluntary conservation group focusing primarily on bats in North and West Cumbria. Its work includes bat recording and mapping, roost and hibernation-site monitoring, bat-box schemes, conservation projects and public education. The group also contributes records to the Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre and supports research into local bat populations.
South Cumbria Bat Group is a volunteer-run organisation working across the former Westmorland and Furness area and the Furness Peninsula. It promotes bat conservation through recording and monitoring, roost protection, bat-box projects, hibernation surveys, field trips and public education, while working with Natural England and the Bat Conservation Trust.
Cumbria Amphibian and Reptile Group supports the recording and conservation of the county’s amphibians and reptiles. Its work helps identify important populations and habitats while encouraging greater understanding of species such as newts, frogs, toads, lizards and snakes.
Cumbria Fungi Group promotes the study and recording of fungi across the county. Its specialist observations contribute to knowledge of Cumbria’s biodiversity and help reveal the ecological importance and distribution of fungi within woodlands, grasslands and other habitats.
Carlisle Natural History Society promotes the appreciation, study and recording of wildlife and the natural environment across Cumbria and its surrounding areas. The society organises talks, field meetings and natural-history activities, while encouraging members and the public to submit wildlife records. It also publishes Lakeland Naturalist and other research on Cumbrian wildlife.
Cumberland Geological Society promotes the study and understanding of the geology and landscapes of Cumbria and surrounding areas. Its field activities and educational programme help people explore the geological foundations of the county and understand their influence on its landscapes and habitats.
Wild Ennerdale is a long-term landscape partnership working to allow natural processes to play a greater role in the Ennerdale Valley. Its work combines habitat restoration, woodland regeneration, river and landscape recovery and scientific monitoring within one of Cumbria’s most distinctive valleys.