Directory of Nature Charities in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire has an exceptionally varied natural environment, from the limestone grasslands and wooded valleys of the Cotswolds to the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, the wetlands and floodplains of the Severn Vale and the rivers, orchards and meadows of the wider county. The county’s landscapes support a rich diversity of wildlife, including rare plants, butterflies, bats, birds and woodland species. A strong network of conservation organisations, naturalists and environmental partnerships is working to protect these habitats and improve their connections.
This directory brings together Gloucestershire-based and Gloucestershire-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist natural-history groups. It includes organisations working across the county alongside bodies concentrating on particular landscapes, habitats or species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer or learn more about Gloucestershire’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Gloucestershire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading independent nature conservation charity, managing a large network of nature reserves and working to restore and reconnect habitats. Its work includes species conservation, nature recovery, wildlife recording, education, campaigning and volunteering across Gloucestershire.
Gloucestershire Local Nature Partnership brings more than 40 organisations together to put nature at the heart of decision-making. It supports nature recovery, ecological connectivity and sustainable land management while helping coordinate environmental projects and priorities across the county.
Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records collects and manages wildlife and habitat information for the county. Its biodiversity records support conservation, planning, research and nature recovery, while its recording facilities enable local naturalists and the public to contribute observations.
Gloucestershire Naturalists’ Society is the county’s natural-history recording organisation, supporting county recorders and documenting Gloucestershire’s flora and fauna. It also runs field meetings, lectures and publications, helping members develop their knowledge while contributing valuable wildlife records.
Cotswolds National Landscape works to conserve and enhance the distinctive landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the Cotswolds. Its nature-recovery work includes grassland restoration, habitat connectivity, ecological monitoring and support for landowners and communities across this large protected landscape.
Wye Valley National Landscape works across the Gloucestershire–Herefordshire–Monmouthshire border to protect the valley’s exceptional woodland, river and landscape habitats. Its current nature-recovery work includes species-focused conservation, habitat restoration and collaboration with local landowners and communities.
Severn Rivers Trust works across the Severn catchment to restore rivers, wetlands and surrounding habitats. Its Gloucestershire projects include river restoration in the Severn Vale, fish-passage work, habitat improvement, water-quality initiatives and community programmes focused on healthier rivers.
Gloucestershire Bat Group promotes research, conservation and education relating to the county’s bats. Its activities include monitoring populations, supporting bat conservation projects, installing bat boxes, public walks and talks, and contributing to national bat-monitoring programmes.
Gloucestershire Orchard Trust is a volunteer-run charity working to conserve the county’s traditional orchards and their distinctive fruit varieties. It manages orchards, supports landowners with restoration and planting, protects rare local cultivars and promotes the importance of orchards for biodiversity.
Dean Green Team is a volunteer conservation group working in the Forest of Dean. Its practical activities include managing vegetation, maintaining ponds and creating wildlife habitats, giving local volunteers an opportunity to contribute directly to the conservation of the Forest’s varied environments.
Gloucestershire Butterflies is the local branch of Butterfly Conservation, working to protect the county’s butterflies, moths and their habitats. Its activities include managing three local nature reserves, habitat conservation, butterfly and moth recording, surveys, guided walks, public engagement and volunteer work parties. The branch also maintains valuable county records that contribute to wider conservation and research.
Gloucestershire’s reptile and amphibian recording community contributes specialist information about the county’s frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes. Its surveys and records help identify important populations and habitats and support wider conservation work undertaken through the county’s natural-history network.
Gloucestershire Nature and Climate Fund supports investment in projects that deliver nature recovery and environmental improvements across the county. It brings together local organisations, businesses and landowners to help fund habitat creation, restoration and other measures that strengthen Gloucestershire’s natural environment.