Directory of Nature Charities in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire has one of England’s richest and most varied natural environments, ranging from the high moors, peatlands and limestone landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors to ancient woodland, chalk and limestone grasslands, rivers, wetlands, farmland and the dramatic North Sea coast. The county contains some of Yorkshire’s most important habitats and wildlife sites, including nationally important peatlands, ancient woodlands, chalk streams, limestone pavements and coastal habitats.
This directory brings together North Yorkshire-based and North Yorkshire-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies, recording organisations and other key bodies working for nature. It includes organisations working across the county alongside those concentrating on particular landscapes, rivers, peatlands, the coast and wildlife groups, providing a useful starting point for anyone wanting to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or learn more about North Yorkshire’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in North Yorkshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is the region’s principal independent nature conservation charity, managing more than 100 nature reserves across Yorkshire, including numerous sites in North Yorkshire. Its work includes habitat restoration, species conservation, wildlife recording, education, campaigning and landscape-scale nature recovery.
North Yorkshire & York Local Nature Partnership brings organisations together to improve the natural environment across its area. It supports landscape-scale conservation, natural-capital initiatives and coordinated nature recovery and played a central role in developing the current Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
North & East Yorkshire Ecological Data Centre is the Local Environmental Records Centre covering North and East Yorkshire, including the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale. It collects and manages biodiversity information that supports conservation, planning, research and land management and works closely with volunteer recorders.
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is a registered charity supporting people, landscape and wildlife across the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Its work includes woodland creation, meadow and habitat conservation, community projects and grants supporting local environmental action.
Yorkshire Peat Partnership coordinates large-scale restoration of upland peatlands across northern Yorkshire. Its work spans the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and Nidderdale, improving peatland condition for wildlife while also supporting carbon storage, water quality and climate resilience.
Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust works to protect and restore the rivers and catchments of the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. Its current programme covers the Swale, Ure, Nidd, Wharfe and Ouse systems, with work including habitat restoration, natural flood management, water-quality improvements and community involvement.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has a statutory role to conserve and enhance the National Park’s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Its conservation work includes habitat management, nature recovery, peatland restoration and protection of the Dales’ distinctive landscapes.
North York Moors National Park Authority works to conserve and enhance the wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage of the North York Moors. Its environmental work includes moorland and peatland restoration, woodland management, species conservation and nature recovery across the National Park.
Nidderdale National Landscape protects an extensive landscape of moorland, valleys, woodland, grassland and reservoirs. Its partnership supports nature recovery, peatland restoration, sustainable land management and conservation of the area’s distinctive wildlife and landscape character.
Howardian Hills National Landscape protects a distinctive mosaic of woodland, farmland, grassland, rivers and historic parkland between the Vale of York and North York Moors. Its partnership works with landowners and communities on landscape conservation, biodiversity and nature recovery.
Forest of Bowland National Landscape extends into the western edge of North Yorkshire as well as Lancashire. Its work supports the conservation of upland habitats, peatlands, grasslands and moorland while promoting nature recovery and sustainable land management.
Yorkshire Naturalists’ Union is a registered charity devoted to studying and recording the county’s flora and fauna. Its extensive network of specialist sections and recorders covers subjects ranging from birds and plants to fungi and invertebrates, contributing valuable information to Yorkshire’s biodiversity evidence base.
Ryedale Natural History Society promotes the study and appreciation of the natural world around Ryedale and the North York Moors. It organises field trips and talks and encourages members to record local wildlife, with an active recording programme continuing in 2026.
Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership brings organisations together to improve understanding and conservation of Yorkshire’s coastal and marine environment. Its work includes research into marine habitats, nature recovery and projects designed to increase wildlife on existing coastal infrastructure.