Southwell Civic Society was formed in 1971 to resist growing pressure to radically alter the town. The Society is an independent, non-political, voluntary Charitable Incorporated Organisation which works to protect the local built and natural environment. Membership is open to all. The Society upholds the special character of the town of Southwell by:
- Monitoring the quality of building design and the sustainability of new development through responses to all planning applications.
- Campaigning to protect the unique character of the built and natural environment, its rural setting and open spaces, ensuring the protection, preservation and conservation of old buildings, and encouraging good modern design of any new building.
- Recording the history of Southwell and its people through an archive of written and photographic material which has been compiled over the years.
- Holding regular events for members and their guests. These include specialist speakers on topics of interest, visits to places of interest locally and regionally, and many social events.
- Offering members the opportunity to develop or use existing expertise through being involved in work for the benefit of the Society, and in collaboration with other groups and societies, both regionally and nationally, whose interests and concerns are similar or complementary.