Directory of Nature Charities in Dumfries & Galloway
Explore our directory of nature charities and environmental organisations working across Dumfries & Galloway, including conservation charities, wildlife groups, river trusts, environmental partnerships and community organisations helping to protect and restore the region’s natural environment. From the internationally important wetlands and saltmarshes of the Solway Firth to the forests, rivers, moorlands and uplands of Galloway and Dumfriesshire, the region supports a rich variety of habitats and wildlife. The organisations featured here are involved in wetland and coastal conservation, freshwater restoration, woodland management, species protection, nature recovery, wildlife recording, habitat restoration and community-led environmental projects. Whether you are looking to support a local conservation charity, volunteer with a wildlife organisation or discover more about efforts to protect Dumfries & Galloway’s natural heritage, this directory provides a useful starting point.
Nature Charities in Dumfries & Galloway
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Galloway Rivers Trust is an environmental charity working across most of Dumfries & Galloway’s rivers and still waters, with a particular emphasis on restoring aquatic biodiversity and protecting native fish and their habitats. Its work spans catchments including the Luce, Bladnoch, Cree, Water of Fleet, Kirkcudbrightshire Dee, Urr, App, Annan and Border Esk, alongside practical habitat restoration, research, invasive species control and environmental education.
An independent environmental charity working around the Solway Firth, bringing together communities, organisations and other partners to promote the sustainable use, understanding and protection of the area’s marine and coastal environment. Its work includes coastal conservation, habitat projects, marine awareness, community engagement and initiatives addressing issues such as saltmarsh, marine litter and sustainable coastal management.
A UNESCO-designated Biosphere working across south-west Scotland to demonstrate how people, communities, businesses and nature can thrive together. The organisation supports environmental protection, sustainable development, education, community projects and nature-focused initiatives across the Galloway and southern Ayrshire landscape. It is a particularly relevant inclusion for Dumfries & Galloway because much of the Biosphere lies within the region and its organisation is based in Newton Stewart.
A freshwater conservation charity working across the River Annan catchment, from its upland sources through Annandale to the Solway coast. The Trust works to conserve and enhance native freshwater fish and their environments, while also promoting understanding of aquatic ecosystems and catchment management. Its activities include habitat conservation, monitoring, restoration and engagement with local communities.
A charitable organisation working throughout the River Nith catchment to conserve and enhance native freshwater fish and their habitats. It works alongside the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board and contributes to fisheries management, habitat protection and the conservation of the river’s aquatic environment.
RSPB Mersehead is one of the most important wildlife sites in south-west Scotland, situated on the northern shore of the Solway Firth. The reserve encompasses freshwater wetlands, saltmarsh, mudflats, woodland, farmland and coastal habitats, supporting breeding waders, wintering wildfowl, Barnacle Geese, natterjack toads and many other species. Conservation at Mersehead provides a strong local focus for RSPB’s work to protect and restore Solway wildlife.
RSPB Crook of Baldoon is a coastal nature reserve near Wigtown, protecting habitats associated with the Solway coast and the Bladnoch area. The reserve provides important habitat for birds and other wildlife and forms part of the RSPB’s wider conservation presence in Dumfries & Galloway.
The Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust’s Caerlaverock Wetland Centre protects around 1,400 acres of wetlands, saltmarsh, grassland and coastal habitat on the north Solway coast. The site is internationally important for waterbirds and provides habitat for large numbers of Barnacle Geese, Pink-footed Geese, Whooper Swans, waders and many other wetland species. WWT combines habitat conservation and wetland restoration with research, education and public engagement.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust has a significant conservation presence in Dumfries & Galloway, including the management of wildlife reserves such as Carstramon Wood and Drummains Reedbed. Its work in the region includes protecting ancient woodland, wetland and coastal habitats, supporting wildlife and involving volunteers in practical conservation and monitoring. Carstramon Wood is an especially important example of the Trust’s work, preserving an ancient woodland habitat in the Fleet Valley.
A long-established Scottish wildlife charity responsible for Eskrigg Nature Reserve near Lockerbie. The Trust manages woodland and other habitats for wildlife, with red squirrels among the species associated with the reserve, and runs talks, visits, workshops and other activities designed to encourage interest in local nature and conservation.
A rural development charity working across the south of Scotland, from Dumfries & Galloway to the Scottish Borders. Its work brings together communities, businesses and organisations to make sustainable use of the area’s natural and cultural resources, and it hosts major environmental initiatives including the South of Scotland Golden Eagle Project.
A long-running species recovery initiative focused on establishing a sustainable population of golden eagles in southern Scotland. The project has a particularly strong connection with Dumfries & Galloway and the surrounding Southern Uplands, combining eagle reintroduction, monitoring, habitat and land-management engagement, education and community involvement. The project is hosted by the Southern Uplands Partnership.
The Langholm Initiative is a community development charity behind the creation and management of the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, following the community purchase of 10,500 acres of land around Langholm. The reserve is focused on large-scale ecosystem restoration, biodiversity recovery and climate action while also creating opportunities for people to engage with and benefit from the landscape.
A not-for-profit Scottish charity bringing together organisations and individuals to support trees, woodland, habitats and communities across Dumfries & Galloway. Its projects address the climate and biodiversity crises through native tree planting, habitat improvement, education and advice, while encouraging greater understanding and appreciation of the region’s woodland heritage.
A regional environmental information and biological-recording organisation supporting the collection, management and sharing of wildlife data for Dumfries & Galloway and Ayrshire. SWSEIC also runs a regional wildlife recording group, with field visits covering different habitats and species groups and helping to improve knowledge of the area’s biodiversity.