Directory of Nature Charities in Merseyside
Merseyside may be highly urbanised, but it contains an extraordinary variety of wildlife habitats, from the internationally important Dee and Mersey estuaries and the dunes and wetlands of the Sefton Coast to woodlands, mosslands, grasslands, rivers, canals and urban nature reserves. Sites around Formby, Crosby, Southport, Wirral and the wider Mersey coast support nationally important wildlife, while the region’s rivers, wetlands and green corridors provide opportunities to reconnect habitats across a densely populated landscape.
This directory brings together Merseyside-based and Merseyside-focused charities, conservation organisations, partnerships, environmental recording bodies and other key organisations working for nature. It includes organisations involved in wildlife conservation, biological recording, rivers, woodlands, coastal habitats, landscape-scale recovery and community environmental action, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or explore Merseyside’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Merseyside
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside is the principal local nature conservation charity serving Merseyside. Its North Merseyside reserves protect coastal, woodland, wetland and other habitats, while its wider work includes habitat restoration, species conservation, education, recording and volunteering.
Nature Connected is the government-approved Local Nature Partnership for Liverpool City Region, bringing together public, private and community organisations to improve the natural environment. Its remit covers Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, St Helens and the wider city region, with a strategic role in nature recovery and environmental decision-making.
Merseyside BioBank is the Local Environmental Records Centre for North Merseyside, covering Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens. It collects, verifies and shares wildlife and habitat information that supports conservation, planning, research and local nature recovery.
Merseyside Biodiversity Group brings conservation organisations, local authorities, statutory agencies, researchers and communities together to promote biodiversity across North Merseyside. Established in 1997, it supports local habitat and species action and helps coordinate practical conservation priorities.
The Mersey Forest is a major woodland and green-infrastructure partnership spanning Merseyside and Cheshire. Its work increases tree cover, restores woodland and other habitats and involves communities and landowners in creating a greener, more biodiverse landscape across the region.
Mersey Rivers Trust is a registered charity working to improve the rivers and catchments of the Mersey Basin. Its projects include river restoration, habitat creation, water-quality improvement, natural flood management and community involvement across waterways in and around Merseyside.
Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership brings major landowners, conservation organisations, agencies and communities together to manage and protect the county’s 22-mile coastline. Its work covers dunes, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife and sustainable recreation, helping safeguard one of the UK’s most important coastal landscapes.
North Merseyside Local Sites Partnership oversees the designation and protection of Local Sites across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens. It brings together conservation organisations, local authorities, statutory agencies, ecologists and local experts to identify and safeguard important wildlife habitats.
Merseyside Environmental Trust is a long-established environmental charity supporting conservation and community organisations across Merseyside and neighbouring areas. It provides grants, resources, advice and other support for projects benefiting the environment and local communities.
Merseyside Naturalists’ Association brings together people interested in the study and appreciation of the natural world. Its activities and links with local naturalists contribute to wildlife recording, natural-history knowledge and greater public interest in the region’s biodiversity.
Merseyside Ringing Group is a registered charity using bird ringing, monitoring and field research to advance the study and conservation of wild birds. Founded in 1954, the group operates mainly across Merseyside and neighbouring Cheshire and North Wales, with its work contributing to scientific research, education and wildlife conservation.
Cheshire & Wirral Badger Group works to protect badgers and their habitats across Wirral and neighbouring areas. Its activities include recording and monitoring setts, providing advice and supporting wildlife welfare, contributing specialist information to local conservation work.
Merseyside & West Lancashire Bat Group promotes the conservation and study of bats across Merseyside and West Lancashire. Its activities include local recording, monitoring, public engagement and conservation work, contributing to the wider understanding and protection of bats in the region.
Friends of Hilbre supports the conservation and responsible enjoyment of the Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve off Wirral. Its volunteers work with Wirral Council on practical conservation, visitor information and activities that help protect the islands’ wildlife and natural environment.
Sefton Coast Nature Conservation Strategy provides a long-term framework for protecting and restoring the exceptional habitats of the Sefton coast. It addresses dunes, wetlands, biodiversity, recreation and pressures including climate change, invasive species and pollution. The strategy is being refreshed through the Sefton Coast Landscape Partnership.