Directory of Nature Charities in Surrey
Surrey may sit close to London, but it is one of England’s most wooded and biologically diverse counties, with extensive heathland, ancient woodland, chalk grassland, wetlands, commons, rivers and farmland. The Surrey Hills and North Downs are complemented by the Thames Basin Heaths, Wealden Greensand, important river catchments and a network of wildlife-rich urban and rural spaces. These habitats support an impressive range of species, while conservation organisations are increasingly working to reconnect fragmented habitats and restore nature at a landscape scale.
This directory brings together Surrey-based and Surrey-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, biological recording bodies, natural-history societies and specialist wildlife groups. It includes county-wide organisations alongside groups concentrating on heathland, rivers, woodland, wildlife recording and particular species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or discover more about Surrey’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Surrey
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Surrey Wildlife Trust is the county’s principal independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 60 nature reserves and around 5,000 hectares of land for wildlife. Its work includes habitat restoration, species recovery, nature recovery, ecological research, education and volunteering.
Surrey Nature Partnership is the county’s Local Nature Partnership, bringing organisations together to champion the natural environment and coordinate nature recovery. It works across sectors on biodiversity, natural capital, planning, landscape recovery and delivery of Surrey’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Surrey Biodiversity Information Centre is the county’s Local Environmental Records Centre, providing information on species, habitats and important wildlife sites. Its data supports conservation, planning, research and nature recovery and provides the main repository for Surrey’s biological records.
Surrey Hills National Landscape protects a quarter of Surrey, including chalk downs, heathland, woodland and grassland. Its current management and nature-recovery programmes support habitat restoration, sustainable land management and stronger ecological connections across the protected landscape.
High Weald National Landscape extends into south-west Surrey, protecting a distinctive mosaic of ancient woodland, small fields, heathland and historic countryside. Its partnership supports conservation, nature recovery and sustainable land management across the protected landscape.
Thames Basin Heaths Partnership brings councils, land managers and conservation organisations together to protect the internationally important heathlands of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire. Its work includes habitat protection, ecological monitoring, public engagement and responsible recreation.
Surrey Heathland Partnership coordinates practical conservation of the county’s lowland heathlands, particularly in the west of Surrey. Its work includes habitat management, conservation grazing, volunteer tasks, specialist advice and management planning.
South East Rivers Trust works with Surrey Wildlife Trust and other partners to restore rivers and wetlands in Surrey. Its current Surrey work includes the River Wey and River Mole catchments, improving habitats, tackling pollution and building resilience to flooding.
River Wey Trust is a registered charity working to conserve the River Wey and its surrounding environment. Its activities include water-quality monitoring, conservation projects, community involvement and promoting understanding of the river and its catchment.
Surrey Bird Club is a registered charity promoting the study and conservation of birds across Surrey. It collects thousands of records each year, publishes the annual Surrey Bird Report and supports fieldwork, research and conservation projects.
Surrey Bat Group promotes the study and conservation of bats across the county. Its work includes bat walks and talks, research, injured-bat care, monitoring and public engagement.
Surrey Dormouse Group monitors and protects the county’s hazel dormice through nest-box checks, surveys and habitat management. Its volunteers contribute to the National Dormouse Monitoring Programme and help improve woodland and hedgerow habitat.
Surrey Botanical Society promotes the study, enjoyment and recording of the county’s flora. Its members undertake field recording and surveys, helping build knowledge of Surrey’s plants and supporting habitat conservation and nature recovery.
Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group supports the recording and conservation of the county’s amphibians and reptiles. Its specialist knowledge contributes to habitat protection, species monitoring and Surrey’s wider biodiversity evidence base.
Surrey Moth Group promotes the recording and study of moths across the county. Its specialist observations contribute to Surrey’s biodiversity records and improve understanding of moth populations and their habitats.
Surrey Fungus Study Group promotes the study and recording of fungi in Surrey. Its specialist observations contribute to county biodiversity records and help improve understanding of fungal diversity and important habitats.