Directory of Nature Charities in Bristol
Bristol may be a major city, but it has a rich natural environment, with wildlife thriving in its parks, woodlands, waterways, meadows, gardens and urban green spaces. The Avon Gorge and Downs are internationally important for their wildlife and geology, while the city’s rivers, wetlands and nature reserves provide valuable habitats for birds, mammals, plants, insects and other species. Bristol is also home to a particularly active network of conservation charities, wildlife societies, environmental partnerships and community organisations working to protect and restore nature.
This directory brings together Bristol-based and Bristol-focused organisations involved in nature conservation, wildlife, environmental protection, ecological recording and nature recovery. Alongside established conservation charities, it includes specialist natural-history societies, environmental partnerships, river organisations and groups helping local communities become more involved with nature. Whether you are looking to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or discover more about Bristol’s natural environment, these organisations provide a useful starting point.
Nature Charities in Bristol
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, and alliances.
Avon Wildlife Trust is the principal nature conservation charity working across Bristol and the surrounding region. It manages numerous nature reserves, protects important habitats and campaigns for nature’s recovery, while also providing volunteering, education and community opportunities. Bristol is particularly important to the Trust’s work, with several urban reserves helping create wildlife-rich spaces within the city.
Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership brings together more than 1,300 organisations to support action on climate, nature and social justice. Its work includes community-led nature projects, environmental collaboration and helping organisations contribute to a greener and more resilient Bristol. It also supports initiatives designed to make nature recovery more accessible across the city’s communities.
Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre (BRERC) collects, manages and provides biodiversity and geodiversity information for Bristol and the wider West of England. It works with wildlife recorders, conservation organisations and other partners, providing ecological data that helps inform research, planning and habitat protection. The centre also supports volunteers and wildlife recording across the region.
The Bristol Natural History Consortium brings together organisations and communities to encourage greater interest in the natural world. It is particularly well known for public engagement and large-scale events that connect people with wildlife and environmental issues. The organisation is also an active partner in Bristol’s wider nature-recovery initiatives.
Bristol Naturalists’ Society promotes the study and appreciation of the natural world around Bristol. Its interests encompass a broad range of natural history, including wildlife, plants and geology, and it provides opportunities for people to learn more about the area’s natural environment through talks, meetings and field activities.
Bristol Ornithological Society promotes the study and enjoyment of birds across Bristol and the surrounding area. Its activities include bird recording, surveys, field meetings and conservation-related work, contributing valuable local knowledge about bird populations and the habitats on which they depend. Its members also contribute to wider biodiversity recording initiatives.
Bristol Avon Rivers Trust works to improve the health of the River Avon and its tributaries, bringing together communities, landowners and partner organisations to protect the river environment. Its work includes river restoration, water-quality monitoring, habitat improvement and community engagement, helping create healthier waterways for both wildlife and people.
Forest of Avon Trust works to increase tree cover and improve woodland and green infrastructure across the West of England. Its projects promote tree planting, woodland creation and better management of existing trees while encouraging communities to become involved. The Trust’s work contributes to biodiversity, landscape restoration and climate resilience around Bristol.
Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife works to protect and celebrate one of Bristol’s most important natural landscapes. The Avon Gorge, Clifton and Durdham Downs support rare plants, ancient woodland, peregrine falcons and exceptional geological features. The partnership undertakes wildlife monitoring, conservation activities, education and public events to improve understanding and protection of this remarkable environment.
The Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership brings organisations together to improve the health and resilience of the Bristol Avon river catchment. Its work encompasses water quality, habitat restoration, natural flood management and community involvement, taking a landscape-scale approach to improving rivers and the wildlife associated with them.
Your Park Bristol & Bath is a charity working to protect, improve and connect people with parks and green spaces across Bristol and Bath. Its work supports healthier, greener neighbourhoods while encouraging communities to participate in the care and development of their local outdoor spaces. It is also a partner in Bristol’s current Nature Together programme.
Bristol’s community gardening movement provides opportunities for residents to create and care for wildlife-friendly growing spaces throughout the city. Community gardens can provide valuable urban habitat while improving access to nature, supporting pollinators and bringing people together around practical environmental projects.
Windmill Hill City Farm is a community charity combining urban farming, education, food growing and environmental activity. Its green spaces provide opportunities for people to experience nature within the city, while its community and educational programmes encourage practical engagement with growing, wildlife and sustainable living.
Really Wild Lockleaze is a community-led initiative helping residents take practical action for climate and nature in the Lockleaze area of Bristol. It forms part of the city’s wider community nature network, encouraging local projects that improve green spaces, support wildlife and strengthen connections between people and their neighbourhood environment.
City to Sea is a Bristol-based environmental charity working to tackle plastic pollution and protect the health of our oceans and waterways. Its campaigns focus on reducing unnecessary single-use plastics and encouraging practical changes in behaviour and business. Although its work extends beyond Bristol, the organisation has strong roots in the city and its environmental community.