Directory of Nature Charities in Northern Highlands
Explore our directory of nature charities and environmental organisations working across the Northern Highlands, 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 peatlands of the Flow Country and the wild landscapes of Sutherland and Caithness to the mountains, lochs, woodlands and coastal habitats of the north-west Highlands, this is one of Scotland’s most important areas for nature. The organisations featured here are involved in peatland and woodland restoration, freshwater conservation, species protection, wildlife recording, landscape management, environmental education and community-led nature recovery. Whether you are looking to support a conservation charity, volunteer with a local wildlife group or discover organisations working to protect Northern Scotland’s natural heritage, this directory provides a useful starting point.
Nature Charities in Northern Highlands
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
A Scottish charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland, one of the world’s great peatland landscapes. Its work promotes sustainable land management, peatland restoration, biodiversity, education and community development across the area.
The RSPB manages 21,000 hectares at Forsinard Flows, its largest nature reserve in the UK, at the heart of the Flow Country. Conservation work includes peatland restoration, wildlife monitoring, habitat management and research, with important breeding and visiting populations of peatland birds.
Plantlife manages Munsary Peatlands, a large blanket bog reserve near Lybster in Caithness. The reserve protects rare plants and peatland wildlife, while current restoration work is addressing drainage, erosion and degraded bog habitats.
An environmental charity focused on the freshwater ecosystems of the Flow Country. Its work combines scientific research with the conservation of native fish, rivers and associated habitats across northern Highland catchments.
A charitable trust working across the extensive river system of the Kyle of Sutherland, including the Carron, Oykel, Cassley and Shin catchments. It supports freshwater conservation, research, habitat management and public education, with its work covering more than 750 km of principal and tributary rivers.
A conservation charity covering the west-flowing river catchments of Sutherland, from the Hope in the north to the Garvie in the south. Its work focuses on restoring native fish populations, improving aquatic habitats, monitoring rivers and encouraging wider understanding of freshwater conservation.
A freshwater conservation charity working across Wester Ross, including rivers and lochs connected to the region’s coastal waters. It works to conserve native fish and their habitats through research, monitoring, education and practical catchment management.
A charity working across the 2,800 km² Cromarty Firth watershed, from the hills above Kinlochewe to the Cromarty coast. Its programme combines river restoration, peatland recovery, biodiversity improvement, woodland connectivity and community engagement.
A freshwater conservation charity working across the Ness and Beauly river catchments and associated waters. Its work includes conserving native freshwater fish, improving aquatic habitats, research and promoting understanding of catchment management.
A community-led charity managing the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere, covering more than 5,000 km² of the north-west Highlands. It brings communities and partners together to support the protection of natural and cultural heritage alongside sustainable development.
A Scottish charity and UNESCO Global Geopark covering around 2,000 km² of West Sutherland and Wester Ross. Alongside conserving internationally important geological heritage, it delivers environmental education, conservation programmes and projects supporting sustainable communities and responsible enjoyment of the landscape.
The John Muir Trust manages the 3,700-hectare Quinag estate in Assynt, working to protect its wild landscape and restore natural habitats. Current work includes habitat monitoring, deer management and maintaining paths to reduce impacts on fragile mountain environments.
A community land charity managing the Glencanisp and Drumrunie estates in Assynt. Its charitable objectives include protecting and sustainably managing the natural environment while supporting the community and public enjoyment of the landscape.
A community woodland charity based in Lochinver, managing Culag Wood and the Little Assynt Estate. It works to conserve native woodland, protect the local environment, provide environmental education and involve volunteers in woodland management.
A landscape-scale conservation initiative covering approximately 63,500 hectares of Coigach and Assynt. It brings land managers and communities together on projects involving woodland expansion, habitat restoration, wildlife, sustainable land management and improved ecological connectivity.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s North of Scotland Local Group promotes wildlife conservation and interest in the natural environment across the northern part of Scotland. The group organises walks, talks, surveys and other activities, providing opportunities to learn about local wildlife and support the Trust’s wider conservation work.
A community-based natural history charity focused on the wildlife and landscapes of North Sutherland, with its activities also attracting members and records from Caithness. It promotes wildlife recording, species identification, conservation awareness, training and public events.
A long-established organisation supporting biological recording across the Highland Council area, including the northern Highlands. It collects wildlife records, supports species surveys and recording, provides identification resources and makes biodiversity information available through the National Biodiversity Network.
Butterfly Conservation’s Highlands & Islands Branch covers Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides. It organises surveys, field trips and conservation work while encouraging recording of butterflies and moths across the northern Highlands.