Join the Sussex Ornithological Society
** Important Change for 2023 **
We are in the process of moving our membership details to an online system contained within this website.
(Don’t worry, your details will be accessible only to you and our membership adminstrators).
Until this is complete, the way in which you renew your subscription for 2024 depends on how you joined the Society.
If you joined the SOS online via this page, please click the Renew Subscription button under this message where you will be able to login with your email address and the password you created when you joined.
Once logged in, click on the Subscriptions tab and renew your subscription for 2024.
Some existing members renew their membership each year by sending us a cheque. This causes unnecessary work for our membership team (all volunteers). We would love you to switch to renewal by card. If you would like to do this please register with our online membership system by clicking the Register and Renew button under this message.
If you are unable to pay by card please email membership@sos.org.uk to get a renewal form to fill in and return.
If you renew your membership via Standing Order, you don’t need to do anything!
We will automatically renew your subscription each January for as long as your standing order is active.
If you are here because you want to join the SOS and already know about the benefits of being a member, please click on the Join Us button under this message.
Otherwise, please read on.
Whether you are a newcomer to birdwatching, an expert, or somewhere in between – if you have an interest in the birds of Sussex, we can help you further your knowledge and enjoyment.
Who are we?
The Sussex Ornithological Society was formed in 1962 to promote the recording, study, conservation and enjoyment of birds in Sussex.
What do we do?
Provide information on birds in Sussex and bird watching outings in the area for new and experienced birders.
Encourage our members to keep records of birds seen in Sussex.
Maintain a county database of bird records and advise and comment on bird conservation in Sussex.
Membership entitles you to:
Quarterly Newsletters
With news of recent sightings, articles by members and forthcoming events to keep everyone in touch
The Sussex Bird Report
A free copy of the Society’s award-winning annual Bird Report with a full list of birds seen in Sussex
Annual Meetings
The chance to attend our Annual Conference in January as well as our AGM in April where members have the opportunity to meet and hear details of the Society’s current work, and to enjoy talks by local and national experts
Field Outings
Join in field outings led by expert bird watchers visiting various parts of East and west Sussex, plus nearby counties. These outings help both the beginner and the expert to improve their birdwatching skills
Records and Surveys
An opportunity to take part in county and national surveys, and to have your own bird records incorporated into our annual Bird Report.
How to Join / Renew
Subscriptions fall due on 1st January each year. If you join on or after 1st November your subscription will run till 31st December the following year. All members receive a free copy of the quarterly newsletter and the annual Sussex Bird Report except for joint/family membership, where members must live at the same address and will receive one copy between them.
Current rates are as follows:
| Individual Annual Membership | £14.00 pa |
| Joint/Family Annual Membership | £17.00 pa |
| Student/Under 21 Annual Membership | ** Free ** |
| Individual Life Membership | £200 |
| Joint/Family Life Membership | £250 |
View the online membership guide
