Directory of Nature Charities in Norfolk
Norfolk is one of England’s richest counties for nature, with an extraordinary range of habitats including the Norfolk Broads, coastal saltmarshes and dunes, ancient woodland, heathland, chalk streams, fens, grazing marshes and the Breckland heaths. Its coastline and wetlands are internationally important for birds and other wildlife, while the county’s rivers support rare chalk-stream habitats and a wide range of aquatic species. Norfolk’s exceptionally varied landscapes are supported by a large and active network of conservation charities, environmental partnerships, wildlife recording organisations and specialist natural-history groups.
This directory brings together Norfolk-based and Norfolk-focused charities, conservation organisations, partnerships, recording bodies and other key organisations working for nature. It includes major county-wide conservation organisations alongside organisations focused on the Broads, coast, rivers, wetlands, farming, biological recording and particular groups of wildlife.
Nature Charities in Norfolk
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust is the county’s principal independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 60 nature reserves and other important wildlife sites. Its work covers habitat restoration, species recovery, nature recording, education, volunteering and landscape-scale nature recovery across Norfolk.
Norfolk & Suffolk Nature Recovery Partnership brings around 100 local organisations together to coordinate long-term action for nature across the two counties. It developed the separate Norfolk and Suffolk Local Nature Recovery Strategies and is now focused on helping partners deliver them.
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service is the county’s Local Environmental Records Centre, holding information on species, habitats, geodiversity and protected sites. It provides a central evidence base for conservation, planning, research and nature recovery and helps improve the flow of wildlife records between local and national databases.
Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists’ Society is the county’s oldest natural-history organisation, founded in 1869. It supports wildlife recording, field study, research and publication, with members and associated groups contributing important long-term information about Norfolk’s flora, fauna and habitats.
Norfolk Ornithologists’ Association is an independent conservation charity dedicated to the study of birds and other wildlife. It operates four reserves, including Holme Bird Observatory, and undertakes bird and wildlife monitoring, recording and research while providing opportunities for people to experience Norfolk’s birdlife.
Norfolk Rivers Trust is a registered conservation charity working to restore and protect the county’s rivers, streams and wetlands. Its work includes habitat restoration, species conservation, water-quality improvement, land-management advice, research and community engagement across Norfolk’s river catchments.
Norfolk Coast Partnership manages Norfolk Coast National Landscape and coordinates its conservation and management. It works with local authorities, conservation bodies, land managers and communities to protect the coast’s landscapes, habitats and wildlife while supporting responsible access and sustainable development.
Broads Authority is responsible for conserving and enhancing the natural and cultural environment of the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads. Its work includes habitat and water management, nature recovery, biodiversity monitoring and sustainable access across one of Britain’s most distinctive wetland landscapes.
Norfolk FWAG works with farmers and land managers to improve farmland for wildlife while supporting sustainable agricultural practices. Its advice and projects cover soil, water, habitats and biodiversity, with farmer-cluster work helping deliver landscape-scale nature recovery across Norfolk.
Norfolk Non-Native Species Initiative coordinates action to understand and manage invasive non-native species across the county. Its work includes prevention, monitoring, mapping, public awareness and practical control, helping reduce threats to Norfolk’s native habitats and wildlife.
Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group is a registered charity working across Norfolk to conserve and study bats. Its activities include roost monitoring, surveys, recording, bat walks, volunteer training and research into resident and migratory bat species.
Norfolk’s moth-recording network provides specialist recording and identification of the county’s moths, contributing valuable information to the wider Norfolk biodiversity evidence base. Its records help track species distribution and changes while supporting conservation and research.
Norfolk’s botanical recording community promotes the study and documentation of the county’s wild plants. Its specialist records contribute to the understanding of Norfolk’s flora and provide valuable information for habitat management and nature conservation.
The local Butterfly Conservation branch supports butterfly and moth conservation across Norfolk through recording, surveys, habitat management and volunteer activities. Its work helps protect important heathland, grassland and woodland habitats supporting the region’s insect diversity.
Norfolk’s amphibian and reptile recording community contributes specialist knowledge about frogs, toads, newts, lizards, snakes and other species. Its surveys and records help identify important populations and habitats and strengthen the county’s biodiversity evidence base.
Broadland Catchment Partnership brings organisations together to improve the water environment of the Broadland catchment. Its work addresses water quality, water management, flood resilience, biodiversity and the restoration of rivers and wetlands, and it is co-hosted by the Broads Authority and Norfolk Rivers Trust.
Fens for the Future is a cross-county partnership working to conserve, restore and reconnect the wetlands of the Fens. Its work links biodiversity, sustainable farming, water management and resilient rural communities across Norfolk and neighbouring counties.
Fens East Peat Partnership works across the eastern Fens to restore lowland peatlands and improve their long-term condition. Its projects address peat loss, water management, carbon storage, habitat restoration and the recovery of wetland wildlife.
Norfolk Coast National Landscape protects an outstanding coastal landscape of dunes, saltmarsh, heath, grazing marsh and farmland. Its partnership works on nature recovery, sustainable land management and conservation while maintaining opportunities for people to enjoy the coast.
The Brecks is a distinctive cross-border landscape of heathland, forest and dry grassland spanning Norfolk and Suffolk. Its conservation network works to restore habitats, improve ecological connectivity and protect rare Breckland species while supporting sustainable land management and public enjoyment.
Norfolk Wildlife Solutions is the ecological consultancy wholly owned by Norfolk Wildlife Trust. It provides ecological surveys, planning advice, habitat management and other environmental services, with profits supporting the Trust’s wider conservation work.