Directory of Nature Charities in Durham
Durham has an exceptionally varied natural environment, ranging from the upland moors, hay meadows and peatlands of the North Pennines to the River Wear, Magnesian Limestone landscapes, woodland, wetlands and the distinctive Durham Heritage Coast. Its varied geology and landscapes support nationally important habitats and species, while the county’s long industrial history has also created opportunities for large-scale habitat restoration on former mining and industrial land.
This directory brings together Durham charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife groups and specialist recording organisations working to protect, restore and understand the area’s natural environment. It includes major conservation bodies alongside organisations focused on rivers, coastal habitats, birds, bats, mammals, plants and other aspects of local biodiversity.
Nature Charities in Durham
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Durham Wildlife Trust is the region’s principal local nature conservation charity, managing more than 50 reserves and delivering habitat and species recovery projects from the Durham coast to the North Pennines. It also supports volunteering, education, wildlife recording and community involvement. Its wider operating area extends beyond County Durham into neighbouring parts of the North East.
County Durham Environment Partnership brings public, private, voluntary and community organisations together to address environmental challenges. Its work includes protecting biodiversity, supporting nature recovery and improving the county’s environmental quality, and its ecological work has contributed to the development of the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Durham Heritage Coast Partnership coordinates organisations working to conserve and enhance the coastline between Sunderland and Hartlepool. Its work covers coastal habitats, marine environment, landscape restoration, access and community involvement, with Durham Wildlife Trust among its principal conservation partners.
North Pennines National Landscape is a protected landscape partnership covering parts of County Durham, Cumbria and Northumberland. Its work includes conserving habitats and landscapes, supporting nature recovery, protecting geological heritage and encouraging sustainable land management across the uplands.
Wear Rivers Trust is a registered charity dedicated to improving the River Wear catchment, including its rivers, streams, wetlands, estuary and coastal waters. It works on habitat restoration, river conservation, environmental education and community involvement, with the Trust’s area of benefit centred on County Durham.
Durham Bird Club promotes the study, recording and conservation of birds across the county. Alongside bird recording and its annual ornithological report, the club runs surveys and practical conservation work and contributes to planning and habitat-protection issues.
Durham Bat Group is a registered charity promoting bat conservation across an area primarily bounded by the Rivers Tees and Tyne. Its activities include surveys, roost advice, public education and community involvement, alongside work to improve understanding of local bat populations.
Durham County Badger Group works to protect and study badgers and their habitats. Its volunteers record setts, monitor populations, provide advice and assist with cases involving threats or damage to badger habitat, while also promoting greater understanding of badger conservation.
Durham Moths is a county-wide recording resource dedicated to documenting and understanding the moths of County Durham. Its database contains more than 600,000 records covering over 1,400 species, providing valuable information about the county’s insect biodiversity and changes in species distribution.
Durham Wildlife Trust Botany Group encourages the study, recording and conservation of plants and other natural-history subjects. Its activities include botanical surveys, field visits and recording, with members also contributing observations of fungi, lichens, bryophytes and invertebrates.
OASES is a County Durham environmental education charity helping children, young people and communities engage with nature and sustainability. Its activities include outdoor learning, woodland skills, gardening, environmental education and practical projects designed to increase understanding of the natural environment.
North East Community Forest is a large-scale partnership programme creating and improving woodland and other green infrastructure across the North East, including County Durham. Its work aims to increase tree cover, improve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and provide better access to nature.