Directory of Nature Charities in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire may be strongly associated with its towns and cities, but it contains a remarkably varied natural environment, from the peatlands and moorlands of the South Pennines to ancient woodlands, river valleys, meadows, wetlands, reservoirs, canals and wildlife-rich former industrial sites. The Aire, Calder, Colne and other river systems provide important ecological corridors, while the uplands around Ilkley, Calderdale and Kirklees and the extensive green spaces of Leeds and Wakefield support a diverse range of plants, birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife.
This directory brings together West Yorkshire-based and West Yorkshire-focused charities, CICs, environmental partnerships, biological recording organisations, wildlife groups and other key organisations working for nature. It includes major conservation bodies alongside organisations concentrating on rivers, woodland, geology, biological recording, community conservation and specialist wildlife, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or discover more about West Yorkshire’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in West Yorkshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a major regional nature conservation charity with a substantial presence across West Yorkshire, managing numerous nature reserves including sites around Leeds, Castleford and the wider Aire Valley. Its work includes habitat restoration, species recovery, recording, education and practical conservation.
West Yorkshire’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy sets out the region’s priorities and opportunities for protecting and restoring nature. It identifies important wildlife areas and actions for improving habitats, connecting fragmented landscapes, strengthening green infrastructure and helping wildlife recover across the five districts.
West Yorkshire Ecology Service is the ecological records and information service for Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield. It provides biodiversity data and specialist advice, surveys and assessments supporting Local Wildlife Sites, planning, Biodiversity Net Gain and nature recovery across the region.
White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire, working with landowners, farmers and communities to create and improve woodland and tree cover. Its work supports biodiversity, climate resilience, flood management, habitat connectivity and access to nature.
Aire Rivers Trust is a registered environmental charity dedicated to improving the River Aire and its tributaries. Its work includes river restoration, habitat creation, natural flood management, invasive-species control, litter removal and community involvement from the upper catchment through West Yorkshire.
River Holme Connections is a West Yorkshire charity working to improve the River Holme catchment for people and wildlife. Its projects include habitat restoration, tree planting, invasive-species control, river monitoring, access improvements and community volunteering around Holmfirth and Huddersfield.
West Yorkshire Bat Group is a volunteer-run conservation charity protecting bats, their roosts and feeding habitats across the region. Its work includes bat care, surveys, monitoring, data collection, research, education and practical conservation.
West Yorkshire Geology Trust promotes the study and conservation of the region’s geological and geomorphological heritage. It supports Local Geological Sites, provides specialist advice and encourages public understanding through guided walks, publications and other activities.
Natural Kirklees is a registered charity supporting volunteer groups working to improve biodiversity and green spaces across Kirklees. It provides practical support, equipment and networking for local conservation projects and community groups.
EPIKS is a not-for-profit environmental organisation delivering practical conservation and community projects across Kirklees. Its work includes habitat management, green-space improvement, river stewardship, environmental volunteering and projects helping people connect with nature.
Wharfedale Naturalists is a registered charity supporting the study, recording and conservation of nature across Wharfedale. It runs field activities, wildlife recording and conservation projects and provides funding and practical support for local nature initiatives.
Wakefield Naturalists’ Society is a long-established local natural-history group promoting the study and enjoyment of wildlife around Wakefield. It organises talks, field meetings and other activities and remains active in 2026.
Bradford Urban Wildlife Group is a volunteer organisation recording, observing and protecting wildlife and habitats across Bradford. Its activities include regular field events, wildlife recording and practical projects such as maintaining the Shipley Station butterfly meadow.
Friends of Ilkley Moor is a registered charity working to protect and improve Ilkley Moor’s landscape, wildlife and blanket bog habitats. It supports conservation projects, fundraising, public awareness and practical work alongside Bradford Council and other partners.
Yorkshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation supports the conservation, monitoring and recording of butterflies and moths across Yorkshire, including extensive work in West Yorkshire. Its volunteers manage habitat, run surveys and work to protect threatened species and their habitats.
Mid-Yorkshire Fungus Group is a volunteer-led organisation studying and recording fungi across an area centred roughly on Leeds. It runs forays, identification meetings and workshops and contributes records to national recording schemes while promoting fungal conservation.
Yorkshire Mammal Group promotes the study, recording and conservation of mammals across Yorkshire. Its members take part in field surveys, research and conservation work covering species including badgers, bats, dormice, harvest mice and beavers.