Directory of Nature Charities in Somerset
Somerset has an exceptionally rich and varied natural environment, from the wetlands and peatlands of the Somerset Levels and Moors to the Mendip and Quantock Hills, the Blackdown Hills, Exmoor, ancient woodlands, species-rich grasslands, rivers, farmland and the county’s Severn Estuary coastline. These landscapes support nationally and internationally important wildlife, including wetland birds, rare plants, bats, butterflies and other specialist species. Somerset is also home to a particularly strong network of conservation organisations, naturalists, land managers and environmental partnerships working to restore and reconnect habitats.
This directory brings together Somerset-based and Somerset-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife recording groups and other key organisations working for nature. It includes county-wide organisations alongside bodies concentrating on wetlands, peatlands, rivers, protected landscapes and particular wildlife groups, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or discover more about Somerset’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Somerset
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Somerset Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading independent nature conservation charity, managing around 1,700 acres across its nature reserves and working to restore habitats throughout Somerset. Its work includes species recovery, landscape-scale conservation, wildlife recording, education, volunteering and community action.
Somerset Local Nature Partnership is a broad cross-sector coalition bringing organisations together to protect and improve the county’s natural environment. Its work provides strategic leadership on biodiversity, nature recovery, climate resilience, farming and the wider benefits of a healthy ecological network.
Somerset Environmental Records Centre is the county’s main source of biological, geological and habitat information. Its database contains almost three million species records and supports conservation, planning, research, Local Wildlife Sites and nature-recovery work.
Somerset Catchment Partnership brings organisations together to improve the county’s rivers and catchments. Its work addresses water quality, habitat restoration, sustainable land management, flooding and ecological resilience through collaborative projects across Somerset.
Somerset Rivers Authority is a partnership established to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding across Somerset. Its catchment-based work also delivers environmental benefits through natural flood management, habitat improvement and more resilient water and land management.
Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society is a long-established charitable society promoting the study and conservation of Somerset’s natural and cultural heritage. Its Natural History Committee supports field meetings, research, publications and projects covering biology, ecology, geology and other natural sciences.
Somerset Ornithological Society promotes the study, monitoring and conservation of the county’s birds. It maintains bird records, publishes Somerset Birds, organises events and field activities and encourages people of all experience levels to become involved in local ornithology.
Avalon Marshes Partnership brings conservation organisations together to protect and manage the wetlands of the Somerset Levels. Its partners work across an exceptional landscape of reedbeds, wet grasslands, peatlands and waterways, supporting wildlife conservation, monitoring, restoration and public engagement.
Somerset Wetlands is a large connected network of National Nature Reserve sites and surrounding conservation land across the Somerset Levels and Moors. Its wetland habitats support internationally important birds and other wildlife, with management shared between several conservation organisations and landowners.
Somerset Hedge Group promotes the conservation and good management of the county’s extensive hedgerow network. It provides advice, demonstrations and information on practical hedge management and highlights the importance of hedges to farming, landscape character and wildlife.
Somerset Botany Group surveys and records the county’s trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and ferns. Its botanical work provides information used by land managers, Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Somerset Environmental Records Centre and national plant-recording organisations.
Somerset Rare Plants Group promotes botanical recording and conservation, with particular attention to the distribution and protection of uncommon plants. Its members carry out field recording and surveys which contribute to understanding and conserving Somerset’s flora.
Somerset Butterfly Group supports butterfly recording and conservation through surveys, transect monitoring, training, guided walks and practical habitat management. Its records help identify population trends and inform conservation priorities across Somerset.
Somerset Bat Group promotes the study and conservation of the county’s bats through surveys, monitoring, bat-box projects, public events and training. The group also contributes records and expertise to Somerset’s wider bat-conservation and biological-recording network.
Somerset Mammal Group promotes the study and monitoring of wild mammals across the county. It acts as a network for mammal recorders and coordinates recording activity for species other than the specialist bat, badger and otter groups.
Somerset Otter Group monitors and records the county’s otter population while promoting awareness of the species’ conservation needs. Its survey records are shared with the Somerset Environmental Records Centre and contribute to understanding the recovery and distribution of otters in Somerset.
Reptile and Amphibian Group for Somerset is a not-for-profit organisation promoting the conservation and study of the county’s native reptiles and amphibians. It provides expertise, encourages recording and helps connect people interested in frogs, toads, newts, lizards and snakes.
Somerset Badger Group works to conserve and protect badgers, their habitats and resting places while promoting public understanding of the species and its wider wildlife environment.
Somerset Moth Group promotes the recording and study of moths across the county. Its activities welcome beginners as well as experienced recorders and contribute specialist information to Somerset’s wider biodiversity evidence base.
Somerset Geology Group promotes the appreciation and conservation of the county’s geological heritage. Working with SERC and Somerset Wildlife Trust, it supports the review and protection of Local Geological Sites and provides specialist advice on geological conservation.
Exmoor Natural History Society promotes the study and recording of the wildlife and botany of Exmoor and supports their conservation. Its activities contribute to the natural-history knowledge of one of Somerset’s most important protected landscapes.
Recorders of the Avalon Marshes is an independent volunteer group recording wildlife and environmental conditions across the Somerset Wetlands. Its observations provide practical information to the conservation organisations managing the area’s important habitats and species.
Quantock Hills National Landscape protects an exceptional landscape of heathland, ancient woodland, grassland and farmland in west Somerset. Its partnership supports nature recovery, sustainable land management, landscape conservation and public enjoyment of the hills.
Mendip Hills National Landscape protects the distinctive limestone landscapes, grasslands, woodlands and geological heritage of the Mendip Hills. Its conservation work supports biodiversity, nature recovery, sustainable land management and responsible public access.
Blackdown Hills National Landscape spans Somerset and Devon, protecting its distinctive wooded valleys, heathlands, grasslands and farmland. Its partnership supports nature recovery, habitat management, sustainable farming and conservation of the landscape’s natural and cultural character.
Cranborne Chase National Landscape extends into southern Somerset as well as Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Its partnership works to conserve chalk downland, grasslands, woodland and farmland while supporting biodiversity recovery and sustainable land management.
Exmoor National Park covers parts of Somerset and Devon and protects an extensive landscape of heathland, moorland, woodland, rivers and farmland. Its conservation work includes habitat restoration, species recovery, peatland management and landscape-scale nature recovery.