Durham Wildlife Trust

Protection of wildlife and natural features and promotion of nature conservation within our area. Acting as a main focus for nature conservation within our area and providing means by which communities and individuals can become involved.

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Activities & Mission

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

Darlington Durham Gateshead South Tyneside Sunderland

Financial Information

Latest Income

£4,285,760

Latest Expenditure

£3,338,032

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 67.8%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 28% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample: 234). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 87.0%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 39% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 14.2%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 33% 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

Donations & Legacies £494,919

Charitable Activities £3,391,588

Other Trading £361,276

Investments £37,977

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £2,905,609

Raising Funds £432,423

Governance £40,368

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

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 2025 — Binky Buns (organisation 5098656)

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£4,285,760	£3,338,032	£2,905,609	£11,103,043	£720,335	43 / 275
2024	£5,266,186	£2,271,897	£1,920,503	£10,155,315	£701,061	39 / 347
2023	£6,819,979	£2,594,060	£2,316,137	£7,161,026	£537,324	41 / 179
2022	£3,091,926	£2,287,783	£1,881,929	£2,935,107	£606,087	42 / 322
2021	£1,962,735	£1,525,980	£1,151,898	£2,130,964	£908,219	29 / 330

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about Durham Wildlife Trust

What does Durham Wildlife Trust do?

How much income did Durham Wildlife Trust report in 2025?

Durham Wildlife Trust reported total income of £4.29m and reported expenditure of £3.34m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is Durham Wildlife Trust?

Durham Wildlife Trust has a program ratio of 67.8%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 28% of UK Environment charities with income £1M to £10M (sample of 234 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was Durham Wildlife Trust registered as a charity?

Durham Wildlife Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 14 June 1972 as charity number 501038. It has been registered for 54 years.

Who runs Durham Wildlife Trust?

Durham Wildlife Trust is governed by a board of 13 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does Durham Wildlife Trust operate?

Durham Wildlife Trust operates across 5 areas, including Darlington, Durham, Gateshead and 2 others. The full list is shown on its profile.

Is Durham Wildlife Trust a registered charity?

Yes — Durham Wildlife Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 501038.