Join us...
Whether you’re new to birdwatching, a keen ornithologist or somewhere in between, the SOC will help you further your knowledge and enjoyment of Scotland’s wonderful birdlife. Thank you so much for your support!
The Birds of Scotland
A digital version of the Club's award-winning publication
Bottle Top Bird Feeder
Recycle your plastic bottles and keep the birds coming back to your garden with this practical bird feeder
Collins Bird Guide*
The ultimate reference book for bird enthusiasts.
Choose one of these free gifts when you join and pay by Direct Debit (conditions apply)
Who are we?
On the one hand, a birdwatching club
The SOC is Scotland’s bird club. We bring together like-minded individuals with a passion for birds, nature and conservation through a programme of talks, outings, conferences and via the Club’s quarterly journal, Scottish Birds.
On the other, a network of volunteers across Scotland, gathering vital, impartial information about our wild birds
One of the SOC's greatest contributions to Scottish ornithology is monitoring and recording of bird numbers. For more than 85 years we’ve been watching over Scotland’s birds, recording their numbers, presence or absence all over Scotland through the SOC’s network of Local Recorders and dedicated volunteers. The data we collect is then made available to organisations such as the RSPB, and is one of the first points of reference in informed conservation planning. It is also available to conservationists, planners and developers and is a critical tool for future bird conservation.
Why do we do this?
Many people consider birds to be the litmus test for the health of the environment. By recording which species we’ve seen when and where, how many we saw as well as what we didn’t see, scientists can gain a greater understanding of the effects pollution, habitat loss, climate change and modern farming methods are having on our wild birds.
The SOC is Scotland’s bird club with 15 branches around the country and a growing membership of over 3500.
Find out more about us or take a few moments to flick through our latest Annual Report - a vibrant, reader-friendly overview of the Club’s activities and achievements.
What you get when you join us...
Welcome pack*
* Digital members will receive a virtual pack
Quarterly magazine,
Scottish Birds
Quarterly e-digest,
The Hoot
Talks and outings across Scotland
Borrow books from Scotland's largest ornithological library
Opportunities to improve bird ID skills
Discounts on SOC publications & events
Affiliation to a local branch of the SOC
Plus, choose one of these three thank you gifts when you pay by Direct Debit*:
- The Birds of Scotland Digital. Find out more about it here.
- Bottle Top Bird Feeder
- Collins Bird Guide*
* Collins Bird Guide is not available as a free gift option when purchasing Student, Unwaged or Junior membership. Where Direct Debit is not applicable (Life and Junior memberships, or where the payee does not hold a UK bank account), you may still choose a free gift. Overseas members will automatically receive The Birds of Scotland Digital as their free gift. We regret that this offer is not available to previous members who have already received a free gift.
How much does membership cost?
* One-off payment on joining
For print membership only: for non-UK addresses, please add a £15 supplement to all categories to cover postage. We are committed to being as inclusive as possible and want membership to be accessible to everyone. If the cost of joining would be a barrier to you, please get in touch by email and we'd be happy to discuss a reduced rate.
| Annual Rates | Full (Print + Digital) | Digital only |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (aged 18 and over) | £46 | £40 |
| Family (up to 2 adults and all juniors at same address) | £62 | £53 |
| Junior (aged 17 and under) | £14 | £5* |
| Student (in full-time further education) | £18 | £5 |
| Pensioner | £34 | £30 |
| Adult (Unwaged) | £22 | £15 |
| Joint Pensioner (at the same address) | £45 | £39 |
| Life (Individual) | £900* | £835* |
| Life Family (up to 2 adults and all juniors at same address) | £1350* | £1290* |
| Library / Institution | £75 |
Or join by post
You can download a joining form here or, if it's more convenient for you, we'd be delighted to process your membership over the phone. Contact us on 01875 871 330 to arrange.
Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to welcoming you to the Club!
Need any help, or have a question? Send us an email.
