Directory of Nature Charities in Hampshire
Hampshire has an exceptionally rich natural environment, encompassing the ancient woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest, the chalk downs and valleys of the South Downs, internationally important rivers, wetlands, estuaries, coastal habitats and a varied agricultural landscape. Its chalk streams, ancient trees, species-rich grasslands and coastal waters support an impressive diversity of wildlife, while the county’s extensive protected landscapes provide some of southern England’s most important habitats.
This directory brings together Hampshire-based and Hampshire-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist recording groups. It includes organisations working across the county alongside groups concentrating on the New Forest, rivers and chalk streams, the Solent, biological recording and particular species or habitats. Together they provide a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or learn more about Hampshire’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Hampshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is the region’s principal independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 65 nature reserves and working with landowners and communities to protect and reconnect habitats. Its Hampshire work covers woodland, heathland, wetlands, rivers, grasslands and coastal environments, alongside species recovery, education, campaigning and volunteering.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Local Nature Partnership brings organisations, businesses and public bodies together to coordinate nature recovery across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, the Solent and surrounding waters. It provides strategic leadership, promotes nature-based solutions and supports delivery of local nature-recovery priorities.
Hampshire Biodiversity Information Centre is the county’s accredited Local Environmental Records Centre, maintaining information on species, habitats and important wildlife sites. Its data supports conservation, land management, planning and research, while its network of specialist recording groups provides a continually developing picture of Hampshire’s biodiversity.
Hampshire Ornithological Society is a registered charity promoting the study, recording and conservation of Hampshire’s birds. It publishes an annual bird report, maintains county bird records, organises field activities and supports research and the protection of important sites for birds.
Hampshire Bat Group is a registered charity dedicated to bat conservation across the county. Its volunteers undertake surveys, monitoring, recording and public education, while also providing bat rehabilitation and supporting research into Hampshire’s bat populations and roosts.
Hampshire Flora Group promotes the study, recording and conservation of the county’s wild plants, including ferns, lichens, mosses and liverworts. It organises field meetings, surveys and training and contributes botanical records to Hampshire’s wider conservation network.
Hampshire Fungus Recording Group promotes the recording and study of fungi across the county. Its specialist observations contribute to Hampshire’s biological records and help improve understanding of the distribution and ecological importance of fungi.
Hampshire Amphibian and Reptile Recording Network supports the recording and conservation of the county’s amphibians and reptiles. Its specialist records help identify important populations and habitats and provide evidence for conservation and land-management decisions.
Hampshire Swifts works to record and conserve breeding swifts across the county. Its records help identify important nesting sites and support efforts to retain and create suitable nest locations for these declining summer visitors.
New Forest National Park Authority is responsible for conserving and enhancing the New Forest’s landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. Its conservation work includes heathland and woodland management, peatland and wetland restoration, species protection and nature recovery, alongside managing recreational pressures.
New Forest Trust is a registered charity raising funds for projects that protect and enhance the New Forest’s wildlife, landscape and traditional commoning culture. It provides grants to local organisations and supports conservation, research, education and practical projects across the National Park.
New Forest Association is an independent conservation charity campaigning to protect the New Forest’s landscape, wildlife and wilderness character. It supports traditional commoning, ancient woodland and mire restoration and advocates for the long-term protection of the National Park.
New Forest Catchment Partnership coordinates action to protect the New Forest’s rivers, streams, ponds, mires and coastal waters. It brings organisations and communities together to improve individual watercourses and their surrounding habitats across this distinctive freshwater landscape.
East Hampshire Catchment Partnership coordinates collaborative action across six river catchments flowing into the eastern Solent. Its work includes water-quality improvement, river and wetland conservation, biodiversity recovery, citizen science and better management of water resources.
Test & Itchen Catchment Partnership works to protect and restore two of Hampshire’s internationally important chalk streams. Its partners address water quality, habitats, wildlife, abstraction, flood resilience and community involvement across the catchment.
South Downs National Park Authority works to conserve and enhance the landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of the South Downs. Its Hampshire work includes chalk-grassland restoration, woodland management, species recovery and landscape-scale nature-recovery projects.
Solent Seascape Project is a collaborative restoration initiative working across the Solent’s coastal and marine habitats. Its programme is restoring and reconnecting seagrass, saltmarsh, oyster reefs and seabird nesting sites while involving communities in the long-term recovery of the Solent’s natural environment.
Solent Forum provides a regional platform for organisations concerned with the sustainable management of the Solent and its coastal environment. It facilitates collaboration, information sharing and discussion around marine planning, environmental protection, climate change and other issues affecting the Solent.
Southampton Natural History Society encourages people to discover and study wildlife and the natural environment around Southampton and southern Hampshire. It organises talks, field meetings and wildlife activities covering a broad range of natural-history interests.