Directory of Nature Charities in Tyne and Wear
Tyne & Wear may be one of England’s most urbanised areas, but it contains a surprisingly diverse natural environment, including estuaries, beaches, coastal cliffs, wetlands, rivers, urban woodlands, grasslands, heathland and former industrial sites that have been reclaimed by nature. The River Tyne and River Wear provide major ecological corridors, while places such as Gosforth, the coast around Tynemouth and South Shields, Waldridge Fell and the green spaces of Gateshead, Sunderland and Newcastle support important habitats and wildlife within the metropolitan landscape.
This directory brings together Tyne & Wear-based and Tyne & Wear-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, recording organisations and other key groups working for nature. It includes organisations working across the whole metropolitan area alongside bodies with more specific roles in rivers, estuaries, woodland, wildlife recording and urban nature.
Nature Charities in Tyne and Wear
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Durham Wildlife Trust is the principal local nature conservation charity for Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland, as well as County Durham and Darlington. Its work includes nature-reserve management, habitat restoration, species conservation, education, recording and community action across its wider From Tees to Tyne area.
Northumberland Wildlife Trust works across Newcastle and North Tyneside as part of its wider North East conservation area. Its work includes habitat restoration, nature reserves, species conservation, environmental education and community nature recovery, giving it an important role north of the River Tyne.
ERIC North East is the regional environmental records centre, collecting and managing wildlife and habitat information for the North East of England. It holds more than 5.1 million species records and provides biodiversity evidence supporting conservation, ecological planning, research and nature recovery.
Natural History Society of Northumbria is a long-established charitable organisation promoting the study and conservation of North East wildlife. Based in Newcastle, it manages Gosforth Nature Reserve and supports natural-history recording, research, education and community engagement across the region.
Tyne Rivers Trust is a registered charity dedicated to improving the River Tyne and its tributaries from their upper catchments to the estuary. Its work covers river restoration, pollution reduction, habitat improvement, natural flood management, education and community conservation.
Tyne Estuary Partnership brings around 100 organisations together to improve the environmental condition of the Tyne Estuary. Its current work includes nature-based solutions, habitat creation, ecological monitoring and projects designed to increase resilience to pollution, climate change and coastal pressures.
North East Community Forest is a regional partnership creating and improving woodland, trees, hedgerows and green spaces across the North East. Its main delivery area includes all five Tyne & Wear authorities, with current programmes focused on woodland creation, biodiversity, climate resilience and community involvement.
Ouseburn Trust is a Newcastle charity working to protect and improve the Ouseburn Valley’s natural, built and cultural environment. Its current work includes volunteering, green-space projects, habitat improvement and community engagement, alongside supporting wider ambitions for a healthier Ouseburn corridor.
Northumberland & Tyneside Bird Club promotes the study, recording and appreciation of birds across Northumberland and the Tyneside area. Members contribute local bird records while the club provides field activities, meetings and publications supporting regional ornithology.
Northumberland Bat Group is a volunteer organisation working to conserve and study bats across Northumberland and the wider North East, including the Tyneside area. It contributes bat records and supports surveys, monitoring and public engagement.
Northumberland Badger Group works to protect and monitor badgers across Northumberland, Newcastle and North Tyneside. Its activities include sett recording, wildlife advice and conservation work relating to threats faced by local badgers.
The South of Tyne and Wear Local Nature Recovery Strategy covers Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. It sets priorities and identifies opportunities for improving habitats, connecting wildlife sites and supporting nature recovery across the southern part of Tyne & Wear.
North of Tyne Local Nature Recovery Strategy covers Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Published in March 2026, it identifies opportunities to restore and connect peatlands, heathlands, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, rivers, coast and urban habitats across the region.