Directory of Nature Charities in County Down
County Down is home to some of Northern Ireland’s most distinctive landscapes, including the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough, the Ards Peninsula, Lecale and a rich mix of woodland, farmland, wetlands and coastline. A diverse network of charities, conservation organisations, specialist wildlife groups and environmental partnerships works across the county to protect habitats, support native species and connect people with the natural environment. This directory brings together organisations with an established presence or significant conservation remit in County Down.
Nature Charities in County Down
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Ulster Wildlife is a leading nature conservation charity in Northern Ireland, with several nature reserves in County Down including Balloo Wetland, Balloo Woodland and Inishargy Bog. Its work covers habitat management, species conservation, recording and community engagement.
RSPB has a long-established conservation presence in County Down, particularly in the east of the county where it works with farmers to support priority farmland birds. Its work includes breeding bird surveys, habitat advice and the County Down Farmland Bird Initiative.
WWT Castle Espie is a major wetland conservation site on Strangford Lough near Comber. The wetland charity manages the site for wildlife, provides environmental education and undertakes conservation work focused on wetlands and waterbirds.
The National Trust manages a substantial portfolio of important natural landscapes in County Down, including Murlough National Nature Reserve, the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough and parts of the Ards Peninsula. Its work includes habitat management, species conservation and protection of coastal and upland landscapes.
The Woodland Trust has a substantial presence in County Down, including its Northern Ireland base in Bangor and woodland conservation sites across the county. It works to protect ancient woodland, restore native trees and expand woodland habitat.
Mourne Heritage Trust is a registered charity responsible for the local management of the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its work includes protecting biodiversity, managing habitats, conserving native woodland and supporting red squirrel conservation across the Mournes.
The Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership coordinates conservation and sustainable management across the Strangford and Lecale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its work brings together public bodies, environmental organisations, community groups and other stakeholders to protect the area’s natural and cultural heritage.
The Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark covers a large area of south-eastern Northern Ireland, including extensive parts of County Down. Its work connects conservation, landscape management, education and community participation across the geopark.
Lecale Conservation Association is a charitable voluntary organisation based in south County Down. It has worked for more than 30 years to protect the natural and built heritage of Lecale through local conservation and environmental projects.
Portaferry & Strangford Trust is a registered charity based in Portaferry that promotes understanding of the natural environment and maritime heritage of Strangford Lough and the surrounding sea. Its work includes publications, events and educational activities.
TCV Northern Ireland undertakes practical environmental work and community volunteering across Northern Ireland, including a native tree nursery and conservation activities at Cultra in County Down. Its work supports woodland creation, biodiversity and community involvement.
Live Here Love Here is an environmental charity connecting people and nature across Northern Ireland. Its community environmental programmes and grants operate in County Down, supporting local biodiversity, green spaces and practical environmental action.
The Northern Ireland Bat Group is a voluntary organisation dedicated to bat conservation, recording and public education. County Down is among the areas covered by its advice, recording and conservation work.
Butterfly Conservation’s Northern Ireland branch works to conserve butterflies and moths and supports recording, monitoring and habitat management. County Down contains nationally important sites such as Murlough, an important location for butterflies and moths.
Specialist and local wildlife groups
Tollymore Red Squirrel Group is a registered charity working with volunteers and the Forest Service to protect red squirrels in Tollymore Forest Park. The group undertakes monitoring, conservation work and public education.
Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group is a volunteer conservation group based near Ballynahinch and working across central County Down. It monitors and supports red squirrel populations and works with local communities on their conservation.
North Down Red Squirrel and Pine Marten Group works around Bangor, Holywood and Newtownards to protect red squirrels and pine martens. Its activities include monitoring, habitat conservation and community awareness.
Rostrevor Red Squirrel Group monitors and protects the native red squirrel population around Rostrevor and the Mournes. The group also records pine martens and works to conserve the area’s woodland wildlife.