Dorset Wildlife Trust
Also known as: The Dorset Naturalists Trust Ltd, The Dorset Trust for Nature Conservation
Our mission is to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. We are working to conserve and enhance Dorset's rich and varied wildlife, delivering conservation gains through our network of nature reserves and wildlife sites and by engaging with communities, working with landowners, farmers, local authorities, business and young people.
Activities & Mission
Our mission is to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. We are working to conserve and enhance Dorset's rich and varied wildlife, delivering conservation gains through our network of nature reserves and wildlife sites and by engaging with communities, working with landowners, farmers, local authorities, business and young people.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 18% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 234). How is this calculated?
Higher than 28% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 25% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2024 — South West Wildlife Trusts (organisation 3992768)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £7,321,729 | £5,438,332 | £4,387,261 | £27,046,998 | £4,080,664 | 84 / 470 |
| 2024 | £12,693,537 | £4,358,250 | £3,279,242 | £25,145,026 | £2,863,000 | 75 / 471 |
| 2023 | £5,096,908 | £4,170,508 | £3,138,075 | £16,615,883 | £2,970,000 | 71 / 471 |
| 2022 | £7,194,913 | £3,230,777 | £2,395,879 | £15,824,703 | £2,121,000 | 60 / 462 |
| 2021 | £3,497,005 | £2,699,871 | £1,982,397 | £11,757,641 | £1,889,000 | 53 / 105 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about Dorset Wildlife Trust
What does Dorset Wildlife Trust do?
Our mission is to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. We are working to conserve and enhance Dorset's rich and varied wildlife, delivering conservation gains through our network of nature reserves and wildlife sites and by engaging with communities, working with landowners, farmers, local authorities, business and young people.
How much income did Dorset Wildlife Trust report in 2025?
Dorset Wildlife Trust reported total income of £7.32m and reported expenditure of £5.44m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is Dorset Wildlife Trust?
Dorset Wildlife Trust has a program ratio of 59.9%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 18% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 234 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was Dorset Wildlife Trust registered as a charity?
Dorset Wildlife Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 7 July 1961 as charity number 200222. It has been registered for 65 years.
Who runs Dorset Wildlife Trust?
Dorset Wildlife Trust is governed by a board of 15 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does Dorset Wildlife Trust operate?
Dorset Wildlife Trust operates in Dorset, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is Dorset Wildlife Trust a registered charity?
Yes — Dorset Wildlife Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 200222.
Details
BROOKLANDS FARM
FORSTON
DORCHESTER
DT2 7AA
Registry Information
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Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Dorset Naturalists Trust Ltd
- The Dorset Trust for Nature Conservation
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated