Directory of Nature Charities in the West Midlands
The West Midlands may be one of England’s most urbanised regions, but it contains a surprisingly rich network of wildlife habitats, from ancient woodlands, heathland and wetlands to rivers, canals, meadows, grasslands, restored industrial landscapes and an extensive network of urban parks and green spaces. The region’s waterways, including the Tame, Rea and Blythe catchments, provide important ecological corridors, while sites such as Sutton Park, Cannock Chase, the Black Country’s former industrial landscapes and the green spaces of Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton support a diverse range of wildlife.
This directory brings together West Midlands-based and West Midlands-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, recording bodies, wildlife groups and other key organisations working for nature. It includes organisations operating across the metropolitan region alongside bodies concentrating on particular habitats, waterways, geological heritage or urban nature, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or learn more about the West Midlands’ natural environment.
Nature Charities in the West Midlands
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country is the principal local nature conservation charity for Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It protects wildlife sites, restores habitats and works with communities on nature recovery, education, volunteering and environmental projects.
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is the principal nature conservation charity serving Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. Its work includes protecting wildlife sites, restoring habitats, supporting species recovery and delivering landscape-scale nature recovery across the eastern and southern parts of the West Midlands region.
EcoRecord is the Local Environmental Records Centre for Birmingham and the Black Country, covering Birmingham, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. It holds more than 2.8 million species records and provides biodiversity information for conservation, planning, research and environmental management.
The West Midlands Local Nature Recovery Strategy provides the region’s statutory framework for restoring and connecting nature. It identifies important existing habitats and opportunities for habitat creation and improvement across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
West Midlands Nature Investment Hub connects businesses and other funders with approved organisations delivering nature-recovery projects across the region. The platform is designed to channel private and blended investment into practical projects benefiting habitats, biodiversity and communities.
Community Environment Network is a West Midlands-wide network supporting voluntary, community, faith and social-enterprise organisations working on environmental issues. It provides connections, resources, peer support and funding opportunities to help communities improve local green spaces and take action for nature.
Warwickshire, Coventry & Solihull Local Nature Partnership brings organisations together to improve the natural environment across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire. It supports strategic nature recovery and is helping promote and deliver the West Midlands Local Nature Recovery Strategy within its area.
Birmingham & Black Country Bat Group is a volunteer conservation organisation recording and protecting bats across Birmingham and the Black Country. Its work includes surveys, research, public education, training and practical conservation, with a particular focus on understanding urban bat populations.
Black Country Global Geopark celebrates and protects the exceptional geological heritage of Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Its network of geosites showcases more than 400 million years of geological history while linking geology with wildlife, landscape, education and conservation.
Tame Valley Wetlands is a landscape partnership restoring a wildlife-rich network of wetlands, rivers, woodlands and grasslands between Birmingham and Tamworth. Its work includes river restoration, habitat creation, flood resilience, invasive-species control and community involvement, with important links to Solihull and the wider West Midlands.
Birmingham Open Spaces Forum is a volunteer-led network supporting the many community groups that care for Birmingham’s parks, woodlands, gardens and other open spaces. It provides advice, networking, training and practical support while encouraging community involvement in improving urban nature.
Birmingham City of Nature is a long-term initiative aiming to make nature an integral part of Birmingham’s parks, open spaces and neighbourhoods. Its approach combines greener infrastructure, community involvement and improved management of the city’s natural assets.