Directory of Nature Charities in Dorset
Dorset is exceptionally rich in wildlife and important natural habitats, from the internationally recognised Jurassic Coast and Poole Harbour to chalk downland, lowland heath, woodlands, rivers, wetlands and the extensive landscapes of the Dorset and Cranborne Chase National Landscapes. These habitats support a remarkable variety of plants, birds, mammals, insects and marine life, and a well-developed network of organisations is working to protect, restore and better understand them.
This directory brings together Dorset-based and Dorset-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist recording groups. It includes organisations working across the county as well as those concentrating on particular landscapes, waterways, habitats or species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer or learn more about Dorset’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Dorset
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Dorset Wildlife Trust is the county’s largest independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 40 nature reserves and working to protect habitats and species across Dorset. Its work includes practical conservation, nature recovery, wildlife recording, education, campaigning and volunteering.
Dorset Local Nature Partnership brings organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors together to improve the county’s natural environment. It provides strategic leadership on biodiversity, nature recovery and nature-based solutions, helping coordinate action for wildlife and people across Dorset.
Dorset Environmental Records Centre has been collecting and managing information about the county’s wildlife since 1976. Its biodiversity data supports conservation, research and planning, while its links with local recording groups help build a continually improving picture of Dorset’s species and habitats.
Dorset National Landscape works with landowners, communities and partner organisations to protect and regenerate one of the county’s most important landscapes. Its priorities include nature recovery, sustainable land management, landscape conservation and helping people connect with the natural environment.
Cranborne Chase National Landscape is a protected landscape spanning parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Somerset. Its partnership works to conserve habitats, wildlife, geology and landscape character while supporting sustainable farming, nature recovery and public enjoyment.
Dorset Catchment Partnerships brings organisations together to improve the health and resilience of the county’s rivers, streams and wetlands. Its work covers water quality, river restoration, natural flood management, biodiversity and community involvement across Dorset’s river catchments.
Wessex Rivers Trust works to restore rivers and chalk streams across Dorset and neighbouring counties. Its projects improve freshwater habitats, water quality and biodiversity through river restoration, catchment management, research and community engagement.
Dorset Coast Forum is an independent partnership bringing organisations and communities together to protect, enhance and sustainably manage Dorset’s coast and surrounding seas. Its work covers marine and coastal conservation, environmental planning, community engagement and improving understanding of coastal issues.
Dorset Bird Club promotes the recording, study and conservation of birds across the county. The charity maintains bird records, publishes the Dorset Bird Report and provides opportunities for members to share sightings, take part in field activities and contribute to knowledge of Dorset’s birdlife.
Dorset Mammal Group supports the study, recording and conservation of the county’s wild mammals. Working alongside Dorset Environmental Records Centre, it contributes observations and knowledge that help track mammal populations and inform conservation work across Dorset.
Dorset Flora Group promotes the study and recording of the county’s plants. It organises field trips, training and recording projects and contributes to the Dorset Rare Plant Register, helping improve knowledge and conservation of the county’s flora.
Purbeck Natural History Forum provides opportunities to explore and study the natural history of the Purbeck area. Its activities bring together people interested in local wildlife, geology and habitats and contribute to the wider natural-history recording community supported by Dorset Environmental Records Centre.
Dorset Heaths Partnership brings organisations together to protect and restore the county’s internationally important lowland heathlands. Its work addresses habitat management, wildfire, invasive species, recreation pressures and the conservation of specialist heathland wildlife.
Wild Purbeck is a landscape-scale partnership coordinated by Dorset National Landscape to conserve and enhance the exceptional habitats of Purbeck. Its work includes heathland restoration, sustainable grazing, ecological monitoring and projects designed to improve conditions for wildlife across the Purbeck Heaths landscape.
Litter Free Dorset campaigns to reduce litter and waste and improve environmental quality across the county’s towns, countryside and coastline. Its network supports community clean-ups, beach-clearing activities and campaigns addressing litter and water-quality issues.
Frome, Piddle & West Dorset Fisheries Association represents local interests in the conservation and sustainable management of Dorset’s rivers and fisheries. Its work contributes local knowledge about river health, fish populations and freshwater habitats and forms part of the wider Dorset catchment network.
Dorset Coppice Group promotes traditional coppice management and the sustainable use of local woodland resources. Coppicing can create a varied woodland structure that benefits biodiversity, while keeping traditional woodland skills and management practices alive.