Directory of Nature Charities in Shetland
Explore our directory of nature charities and environmental organisations working across Shetland, including wildlife charities, conservation organisations, marine research groups, specialist recording networks and community-led projects. Shetland’s remarkable natural environment includes internationally important seabird colonies, coastal cliffs, peatlands, wetlands, heathland and rich marine habitats supporting an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Conservation work across the islands includes habitat restoration, species recovery, marine conservation, biological recording, peatland management, wildlife monitoring and environmental education. Whether you are looking to support a local conservation organisation, volunteer with a wildlife project or discover groups working to protect Shetland’s natural environment and biodiversity, this directory provides a useful starting point.
Nature Charities in Shetland
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
The RSPB has a major conservation presence across Shetland, managing a network of important nature reserves including Hobbister, Fetlar, Sumburgh Head, Loch of Spiggie, Cottascarth & Rendall Moss and Noss. Its work includes habitat management, seabird conservation, research, species monitoring and large-scale nature recovery.
NatureScot manages several nationally important protected sites in Shetland, including Hermaness and Noss National Nature Reserves and the distinctive botanical reserve at Keen of Hamar on Unst. Conservation work includes protecting seabird colonies, fragile peatlands, rare plants and other nationally important habitats.
A long-established Scottish charity protecting and promoting Shetland’s natural, built and cultural heritage. Its natural heritage work includes biological recording, peatland restoration, native tree propagation, biodiversity conservation and management of sites such as Sumburgh Head Nature Reserve.
The Shetland Biological Records Centre collects and manages information about the islands’ plants, animals, habitats and geology. Established by Shetland Amenity Trust, it provides biodiversity information for conservation, planning, research and land management and encourages the submission of wildlife records.
Established in 1973, Shetland Bird Club promotes the study, recording and conservation of the islands’ birdlife. It publishes the annual Shetland Bird Report, manages the Nature in Shetland website and supports ornithological recording, research and conservation activities.
A volunteer-led group helping people across Shetland become involved in wildlife recording, surveys and practical conservation. Its current projects include porpoise surveys, seagrass mapping, shark and skate eggcase recording, marine non-native species monitoring and flapper skate tagging.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust undertakes conservation work in Shetland as part of its wider programme of protecting Scotland’s wildlife and habitats. Its work is supported by local volunteers and wildlife enthusiasts, while the Trust also contributes specialist expertise to island conservation projects.
A dedicated landscape-scale conservation programme working with Shetland communities and crofters to protect nine nationally rare and vulnerable species, including the red-necked phalarope, twite, oysterplant, plantain leaf beetle and Shetland bumblebee. Activities include habitat restoration, species surveys, land-management advice, training and volunteering.
The independent charity behind Fair Isle Bird Observatory, which researches bird migration, breeding seabirds and the wider natural heritage of Fair Isle. The rebuilt observatory reopened in 2025 and continues to support scientific research, education, volunteers and community involvement.
A Fair Isle charity dedicated to understanding and protecting the island’s marine and coastal environment. Its work includes marine research, community monitoring and the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area, as well as current research into flapper skate, fish populations and marine habitats.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Shorewatch programme operates across Shetland, with volunteers carrying out regular land-based surveys of whales and dolphins. Shetland has a network of dedicated survey sites contributing long-term information about cetacean distribution and movements in Scottish waters.
Butterfly Conservation’s Highlands & Islands Branch covers Shetland and maintains local recording arrangements for the islands. The branch supports butterfly and moth recording, surveys, events and conservation activities, with Shetland having its own dedicated butterfly recorder.
The Bumblebee Conservation Trust works in Shetland through species conservation programmes including BeeWalk, helping volunteers monitor bumblebee populations and habitat. Shetland is particularly important for the Great Yellow Bumblebee and the distinctive island form of the Moss Carder Bumblebee.
Buglife contributes to conservation in Shetland through Species on the Edge, particularly work to protect threatened invertebrates such as the plantain leaf beetle. Its specialist expertise also supports wider conservation and citizen-science work focused on Scotland’s rare coastal and island species.
Plantlife contributes to Shetland conservation through Species on the Edge, helping safeguard rare island plants and habitats including Shetland’s endemic hawkweeds and oysterplant. Its specialist botanical expertise supports habitat management, monitoring and species recovery across the islands.
The Bat Conservation Trust contributes specialist expertise to Shetland through Species on the Edge, including conservation work involving pipistrelle bats. Its wider work supports bat monitoring, recording and habitat conservation in the islands and throughout Scotland.
The Shetland UHI–Shetland Islands Council partnership responsible for developing and implementing Scotland’s first statutory regional marine plan. Its work brings together scientific research, marine conservation and community knowledge to support sustainable management of Shetland’s coastal and marine environment.
UHI Shetland undertakes extensive research into the marine habitats and species of Shetland, supporting marine conservation and sustainable management. Current projects include seagrass restoration, seabed habitat mapping, marine non-native species monitoring and research into blue carbon habitats.
A long-established Shetland charity whose remit includes environmental protection, natural history and heritage alongside community and social objectives. It provides funding that supports projects benefiting Shetland’s environment, communities and natural heritage.
A charity based on Unst promoting the island’s natural environment through its focus on the night sky and the distinctive skies of Shetland. Its work combines environmental awareness, science, education and community activity and includes plans for a dedicated Wild Skies visitor centre.