Directory of Nature Charities in Kent
Kent has an exceptionally rich and varied natural environment, from the chalk downs and ancient woodlands of the Kent Downs to the High Weald, Romney Marsh, river valleys, traditional orchards, wetlands and an extensive coastline of cliffs, shingle, mudflats and saltmarsh. The county’s habitats support rare plants, insects, birds, mammals and marine wildlife, while its chalk streams and coastal waters are particularly important for biodiversity. A strong network of conservation charities, landscape partnerships, recording groups and community organisations is working to restore and connect these habitats.
This directory brings together Kent-based and Kent-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist recording groups. It includes organisations working across the county alongside those concentrating on particular landscapes, waterways, habitats or species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or learn more about Kent’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Kent
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Kent Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 90 nature reserves and protecting thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. Its work covers nature recovery, species conservation, habitat management, marine conservation, recording, education and volunteering across Kent.
Kent Nature Partnership is Kent’s Local Nature Partnership, bringing organisations together to coordinate action for biodiversity and the wider natural environment. It provides strategic leadership for nature recovery and now has oversight of strategic delivery of the Kent and Medway Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre collects, manages and shares information about Kent’s wildlife, habitats and important sites. Its data supports conservation, planning, research and education, while close working with specialist recording groups helps build a detailed picture of the county’s biodiversity.
Wildwood Trust is a Kent-based conservation charity specialising in native British wildlife, rewilding and species recovery. Its work includes habitat restoration, breeding and reintroduction programmes, ecological research and conservation projects.
Kent’s seven Countryside Management Partnerships form a county-wide network delivering practical conservation and countryside management. They work with communities and landowners to improve habitats, manage green and blue spaces, support volunteering and encourage sustainable enjoyment of Kent’s countryside and coast.
Kentish Stour Countryside Partnership works across the Stour Valley to conserve and enhance landscapes, habitats and wildlife while supporting access and community involvement. Its practical conservation work spans areas including Ashford, Canterbury, Sandwich and Whitstable.
Kent Downs National Landscape protects the distinctive chalk landscapes, ancient woodlands, orchards, grasslands and coastline stretching from the Surrey border to the White Cliffs of Dover. Its current work includes nature recovery, biodiversity enhancement and support for landowners and communities.
High Weald National Landscape is a protected landscape spanning parts of Kent, Sussex and Surrey. Its conservation work supports ancient woodland, heathland, meadows, traditional farming landscapes and habitat connectivity across this exceptionally historic and biodiverse area.
South East Rivers Trust works across Kent and neighbouring counties to restore rivers, streams and their catchments. Its projects address water quality, habitat restoration, natural flood management, fish passage and community involvement, contributing to healthier waterways for both wildlife and people.
Kent Ornithological Society is a registered charity dedicated to recording, studying and conserving Kent’s birds. It maintains the county’s bird records, publishes the annual Kent Bird Report and supports fieldwork, surveys and greater understanding of birds and their habitats.
Kent Field Club is a long-established natural-history organisation supporting the study and recording of Kent’s wildlife, geology and natural environment. It works with specialist recorders and other organisations and contributes valuable observations to the county’s wider biodiversity knowledge.
Kent Bat Group has worked for bat conservation in the county since 1983. Its activities include surveys, population monitoring, habitat conservation, public education and care for grounded bats, while its extensive bat records are held by the Kent & Medway Biological Records Centre.
Kent Mammal Group promotes awareness, recording, study and conservation of the county’s wild mammals. It runs training and conservation activities, maintains mammal records and supports projects including dormouse monitoring and habitat work.
Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group (KRAG) works to conserve, monitor and record Kent’s reptiles and amphibians. Its activities include habitat management, surveys, toad patrols, training and specialist recording, with its data contributing to the county’s biodiversity evidence base.
Kent Moth Group promotes the recording and study of moths across the county. Its specialist observations contribute to Kent’s biological records and help improve understanding of moth diversity, distribution and changes in the wider environment.
The Kent & South East London Branch of Butterfly Conservation supports butterfly and moth conservation through recording, surveys, habitat management, volunteering and public events. Its work helps protect some of Kent’s most important grassland, woodland and heathland habitats.
West Kent Badger Group works to protect badgers and their habitats through sett recording, advice, monitoring and practical assistance. It forms part of Kent’s wider network of local badger conservation groups.
Thanet Coast Project works with local people to safeguard the wildlife and distinctive coastal habitats of north-east Kent. Its activities include marine and coastal education, wildlife monitoring, volunteer Coastal Wardens, responsible recreation and support for the management of the North East Kent Marine Protected Area.