Directory of Nature Charities in County Antrim
County Antrim has an exceptionally varied natural environment, from the Antrim Coast and Glens and the Belfast Hills to peatlands, woodland, wetlands and the shores of Lough Neagh and Belfast Lough. A wide range of charities, wildlife organisations, conservation groups and environmental partnerships work across the county to protect habitats, support wildlife and encourage greater appreciation of the natural environment. This directory brings together organisations with an established presence or significant conservation remit in County Antrim.
Nature Charities in County Antrim
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Ulster Wildlife is one of Northern Ireland’s principal nature conservation charities and manages several important nature reserves in County Antrim, including Glenarm, Glendun and Feystown. Its work includes habitat management, species conservation, wildlife recording and community engagement.
RSPB Northern Ireland has a significant conservation presence in County Antrim, including Portmore Lough and Rathlin Island, as well as extensive work with farmers in the Antrim Hills to protect breeding waders and upland habitats.
The National Trust cares for important natural and historic landscapes along the County Antrim coast, including the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-Rede. Its conservation work includes habitat management, wildlife monitoring and protection of the coastal environment.
The Woodland Trust manages and supports woodland conservation in County Antrim, including Carnmoney Hill, Glas-na-Bradan Wood, Throne Wood and Oakfield Glen. Its work focuses on protecting native woodland and improving habitats for wildlife.
Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust is an independent charity working across the Antrim Coast and Glens, including the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Rathlin Island. Its work combines landscape management, nature conservation, sustainable development and community involvement.
Belfast Hills Partnership is a registered charity working to protect and enhance the landscape, wildlife and habitats of the Belfast Hills. The partnership includes land and communities within County Antrim and undertakes biodiversity, woodland, invasive-species and habitat management work.
Lough Neagh Partnership is a registered charity working to protect, conserve and sustainably manage Lough Neagh and its surrounding wetlands and catchments. Its environmental work includes habitat conservation, biodiversity projects and support for nature-friendly land management.
The Northern Ireland Bat Group is a volunteer conservation organisation working across Northern Ireland to protect bats and their roosts. It provides advice, undertakes recording and monitoring, and supports bat conservation and research.
The Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group monitors and records birds of prey throughout Northern Ireland and promotes their conservation. Its work includes the Antrim Hills, an important area for species such as hen harrier and merlin.
The Irish Grouse Conservation Trust is a registered Northern Ireland charity with an established conservation project at Glenwherry in the Antrim Hills. Its work focuses on red grouse and upland habitat management and includes collaboration with farming and conservation organisations.
Glens Red Squirrel Group works to protect the red squirrel population of the Glens of Antrim. The group promotes conservation, monitoring and public awareness of red squirrels and their habitats.
Ballygally & District Biodiversity Group is a registered charity based in the Larne area, working to protect red squirrels and other native wildlife around Ballygally and Carnfunnock. Its work includes monitoring, habitat improvement and grey squirrel control.
RSPB Antrim Local Group supports bird and wildlife conservation through local activities, talks, outings, recording and community projects. The group has a particular local presence in County Antrim and is based at Greenmount near Antrim town.