Directory of Nature Charities in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Explore our directory of nature charities and environmental organisations working across Edinburgh and the Lothians, including wildlife groups, conservation charities, environmental trusts and community organisations protecting and restoring the region’s natural environment. From the Pentland Hills and woodland valleys of Midlothian to the beaches, dunes and seabird colonies of East Lothian, the area supports a wide range of habitats and wildlife. These organisations are involved in habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, marine and coastal protection, river management, wildlife recording, environmental education and practical conservation. Whether you are looking to support a local nature charity, volunteer with a conservation group or discover organisations working to protect Edinburgh and the Lothians’ natural heritage, this directory provides a useful starting point.
Nature Charities in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Lothians Group supports the Trust’s conservation work across Edinburgh, East, West and Midlothian. It helps care for local reserves, supports wildlife monitoring and conservation, and organises walks, talks and volunteering activities. The group covers 18 Trust nature reserves across the Lothians.
A long-established Edinburgh charity dedicated to protecting and improving the Water of Leith and its surrounding environment. Its work includes habitat conservation, invasive-species control, river clean-ups, wildlife monitoring, education and community volunteering along the river corridor.
A regional environmental charity working with communities and partners to improve greenspaces across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Its projects support biodiversity, habitat improvement, climate resilience, access to nature and the regeneration of parks and other green spaces.
A practical conservation charity carrying out habitat and countryside work across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Volunteers undertake activities including tree planting, invasive-species control, pond and meadow management, path work and other improvements to wildlife sites.
An active RSPB local group covering Edinburgh and the Lothians, providing opportunities to take part in birdwatching, wildlife outings, talks and other activities. The group also raises funds to support the RSPB’s wider conservation work.
A marine conservation and education charity based at North Berwick, focused on Scotland’s coastal and marine environment. Its work includes conservation, education and research engagement centred on seabirds, the Firth of Forth and internationally important sites such as the Bass Rock.
An East Lothian environmental charity delivering restoration projects linking land, coast and sea. Its work includes creating wildlife corridors between the Lammermuir Hills and Firth of Forth, coastal clean-ups and projects to restore native oysters and other marine species.
A charity supporting practical conservation across East Lothian, with more than 300 volunteers involved in maintaining paths, managing habitats, surveying wildlife, controlling invasive species and caring for coastal and countryside sites. It works closely with the East Lothian Council Countryside Service.
A conservation charity concerned with the protection and enhancement of the Pentland Hills and surrounding countryside. Its activities include practical conservation work, litter-picking, wildlife projects, walks and community engagement.
A charity working to improve awareness, access and conservation along the Rivers Esk in Midlothian and East Lothian. Its work includes the Esk Way, public walks and talks, and protecting the environmental and natural heritage of the river catchment.
A long-established natural history organisation bringing together people interested in the wildlife and natural environment of Edinburgh and the surrounding area. It organises field trips, talks and specialist activities covering subjects including birds, plants, insects, fungi and marine life, and encourages wildlife recording and citizen science.