Directory of Nature Charities in Wiltshire
Wiltshire is renowned for its chalk landscapes, but its natural environment is far more varied than the famous downs and archaeological sites might suggest. The county contains extensive chalk grasslands, internationally important chalk streams, ancient woodland, meadows, wetlands, rivers, heathland and farmland, with the Avon, Wylye, Nadder and other waterways providing important wildlife corridors. Almost half of Wiltshire lies within one of three National Landscapes, while major landscape-scale projects are working to restore habitats and reconnect fragmented areas for nature.
This directory brings together Wiltshire-based and Wiltshire-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, biological recording bodies, natural-history societies and specialist wildlife groups. It includes organisations working across the county as well as groups concentrating on chalk landscapes, rivers, wildlife recording, geology and particular species, providing a useful starting point for anyone wishing to support conservation, volunteer, record wildlife or learn more about Wiltshire’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Wiltshire
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading nature conservation charity, managing more than 40 reserves covering over 1,300 hectares. Its work includes habitat restoration, species recovery, nature recovery, wildlife recording, education, farming advice, volunteering and landscape-scale conservation across Wiltshire and Swindon.
Wiltshire & Swindon Local Nature Partnership brings environmental, conservation, public-sector and infrastructure organisations together to accelerate nature recovery. Relaunched in 2026, it supports coordinated landscape-scale action and delivery of the area’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Wiltshire & Swindon Biological Records Centre is the Local Environmental Records Centre for Wiltshire and Swindon, collecting and managing wildlife, habitat and geological information. It currently holds more than four million species records, providing essential evidence for conservation, planning, research and nature recovery.
Wiltshire Chalk Partnership brings conservation organisations, farmers and landholders together to restore and reconnect the county’s internationally important chalk landscapes. Its current ambition is to create at least 2,000 hectares of additional semi-natural habitat while improving existing grasslands and chalk-river systems.
Wessex Rivers Trust is a registered environmental charity working to protect and restore rivers and chalk streams across Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, the New Forest and Isle of Wight. Its Wiltshire work includes river restoration, water-quality improvement, research, monitoring and community engagement.
Wiltshire Ornithological Society promotes the study, recording and conservation of birds across the county. It maintains current bird records, organises field activities and publishes information about Wiltshire’s birdlife, with more than 500 members.
Wiltshire Botanical Society promotes knowledge and conservation of the county’s flora through field meetings, surveys and recording. Its members contribute botanical observations to local and national recording schemes and help increase understanding of Wiltshire’s plants and habitats.
Wiltshire Bat Group is a volunteer organisation promoting bat conservation and research across the county. Its members undertake surveys, monitoring and practical projects, support public education and contribute bat records to Wiltshire’s wider biodiversity evidence base.
Wiltshire Mammal Group promotes mammal conservation, recording and monitoring across Wiltshire and Swindon. Its volunteer programme includes surveys, training, events and long-term recording projects covering the county’s mammal species.
Wiltshire Amphibian and Reptile Group supports the study, recording and conservation of the county’s amphibians and reptiles. Its activities include surveys, identification events, habitat work and collecting records that improve understanding of local populations.
Wiltshire Branch of Butterfly Conservation works to protect butterflies and moths through recording, surveys, habitat management, volunteer conservation and public events. Its current programme includes butterfly walks, moth recording and practical work at important sites across the county.
Wiltshire Geology Group promotes the study and conservation of the county’s geological heritage. Its work includes surveying and maintaining important geological exposures, supporting Local Geological Sites and encouraging wider understanding of how geology shapes Wiltshire’s landscapes.
Wiltshire Archaeological and Natural History Society is a long-established charity promoting the study and understanding of Wiltshire’s natural and cultural heritage. Its natural-history work supports research, publications and activities connected with the county’s wildlife, geology and landscape.
Tisbury & District Natural History Society promotes the study and enjoyment of local wildlife and natural history in south-west Wiltshire and surrounding areas. Its active programme includes talks, field trips, wildlife recording, conservation projects and activities for younger naturalists.
Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital is a registered charity providing around-the-clock rescue, treatment and rehabilitation for injured, sick and orphaned wildlife. Based near Salisbury, it cares for mammals, birds and reptiles from Wiltshire and surrounding counties before returning recovered animals to the wild.
Western Forest is a new landscape-scale partnership spanning Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England, aiming to create a more connected woodland landscape by 2050. Its programme combines large-scale tree planting with habitat restoration, nature recovery, climate resilience and community involvement.
Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs National Landscape protects a large area of chalk downland, ancient woodland, grassland and valleys across southern Wiltshire and neighbouring counties. Its partnership supports landscape conservation, nature recovery, sustainable land management and public engagement.
North Wessex Downs National Landscape extends across northern Wiltshire and neighbouring counties, protecting chalk downs, valleys, grasslands, woodlands and farmland. Its partnership supports nature recovery, habitat restoration and sustainable management of the protected landscape.
Cotswolds National Landscape extends into north-west Wiltshire, where its partnership works to conserve limestone grasslands, woodland, farmland and rivers. Its nature-recovery programme promotes habitat restoration, connectivity and sustainable land management.