RSPB membership terms and conditions

These terms and conditions apply to all RSPB memberships started or renewed on or after 13 October 2026 and Life Memberships that continue after 30 November 2026. They were last updated on 1 September 2026.

A puffin looking up toward the sky, in front of a blurred green background

Thank you for supporting the charitable work of the RSPB. Together, we can do more for birds and nature – protecting wildlife, restoring habitats and creating more opportunities for people to experience and enjoy nature. When you join as a member, your membership contribution is treated as a donation that primarily supports our charitable work and helps make this possible.

We want you to enjoy your membership and get the most from it. Our membership benefits are our way of thanking you for your contribution and helping you stay connected with our work that your contribution helps make possible. These terms explain your membership benefits, the rules of membership and how your membership is managed. They apply alongside our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws, which are the rules that govern us as a charity, and our membership options which can be found on our membership webpage.

Our Supporter Services Team can help with anything related to memberships. You can contact them by:

  • Email: membership@rspb.org.uk
  • Phone: 01767 693680 (9am to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays)
  • Post: Supporter Services, The RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL

1 Introduction – who we are, and the application of these terms and conditions

1.1 The RSPB is the UK’s largest nature conservation charity and is dedicated to the conservation of birds and nature. We are a registered charity in England and Wales, with number 207076, and in Scotland, OSCR number SC037654.

1.2 The reasons we exist and the work we aim to do is set out in our charitable objects clause in the RSPB Charter (the ‘RSPB Objects’). These include conserving biological diversity and the natural environment for the public benefit and advancing public education in this area. By becoming a member, you agree to support the RSPB Objects and our charitable work.

1.3 References in these terms to the ‘RSPB’, ‘we’, ‘our’ or ‘us’ are references to the RSPB. References to ‘you’ and ‘your’ are references to the membership applicant and RSPB members aged over 18.

1.4 Together, these terms and conditions, and the member sections of our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws (particularly Statutes 2 and 3), set out the terms of the membership contract between you and us (the ‘Membership Terms’), which may be updated from time to time. You can request a hard copy of these terms and conditions from our Supporter Services Team at any time.

1.5 You agree to the Membership Terms whenever you apply for, accept, renew or continue a membership. If we make any changes to the Membership Terms, continuing your membership afterwards means you agree to the updated terms.

2 RSPB membership benefits

2.1 Membership benefits vary depending on your membership type and may include:

  • An RSPB membership welcome pack
  • Opportunities to visit RSPB nature reserves, view and engage with our conservation work, and use associated visitor parking without an admission fee or parking charge (subject to local terms of access)
  • Magazines, newsletters and/or digital content tailored to your membership and that show our activities and ways members can support and/or engage with that work
  • Invitations to events and activities
  • An exclusive membership card and pin badge for Life Membership

You may choose to opt out of receiving any of these benefits, without affecting your membership or the amount of your membership contribution.

2.2 Membership benefits are incidental to the primary purpose of your membership contribution, which is to support our charitable work. The benefits do not have a cash value and cannot be exchanged for money or to reduce a membership contribution.

2.3 We may add, change or remove benefits at our discretion, to reflect our charitable aims, legal or operational needs or other factors. Where changes are significant, we will notify you.

2.4 Your use of the membership benefits is subject to the Membership Terms and any relevant local terms or codes of conduct, including Terms and Conditions of Entry or event terms.

2.5 We reserve the right to terminate a membership if you do not comply with the Membership Terms or any other terms applying to a membership benefit.

3 How to apply for membership and the membership contract

3.1 Any person over the age of 18 may apply for or purchase a membership online, by telephone, by post or in person at selected locations.

3.2 Our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws set out who can become a member, which includes individuals who support our work and the RSPB Objects described in paragraph 1.2 above.

3.3 You must ensure the information in your membership application is accurate. We may request identification as part of an application. If you are using someone else’s card for payment, you confirm that you have obtained their permission before entering the payment details.

3.4 A membership is accepted by us once we receive a complete application and it is logged in our system. We confirm acceptance by email. Where an email address has not been provided, confirmation will be included in your welcome pack.

3.5 Membership contributions may be paid annually or by agreed instalments when you sign up. We will confirm the payment schedule in your welcome pack. Your membership contributions are used to support the RSPB’s charitable work and are not calculated by reference to the value of, or how much you use, any membership benefits.

3.6 Once we accept your membership application, a binding membership contract is formed between you and us, subject to the Membership Terms, your payment schedule and the following:

  • 3.6.1 If a membership includes more than one person (for example, joint or family), the membership contract is with the lead member that applies for the membership, and the lead member must ensure all joint members comply with the Membership Terms.
  • 3.6.2 If a membership is a youth or gift membership, the membership contract is between us and the purchaser of the membership, and the purchaser must ensure the member complies with the Membership Terms. A gift recipient aged 18 or over becomes the contracting member if they choose to renew and pay for the membership themselves.


3.7 Except for Life Memberships (see paragraph 7.2), all memberships are a 12-month commitment that renews annually, regardless of the payment schedule. By applying for, renewing or gifting a membership, you commit to making the agreed membership contribution in support of the RSPB’s charitable work for that full membership year, subject to the Membership Terms. 

3.8 Membership is not transferrable. This contract is between you and us. Regardless of your membership type, nobody else has any rights under this contract unless stated in these terms.

3.9 If a payment cannot be processed or authorised, we may contact you to resolve this. If we cannot resolve the payment, we may refuse or cancel your membership and paragraph 11 then applies.

3.10 There may be circumstances where we cannot accept a membership application and we reserve the right to refuse a membership application at our discretion.

4 Gift membership

4.1 Any Adult, Family, Life or Youth Membership can be purchased as a gift. When you purchase and we accept a gift membership, you (as purchaser) enter into the membership contract with us subject to the Membership Terms. By purchasing a gift membership, you agree to the Membership Terms and must ensure the gift recipient(s) adheres to them (as applicable).

4.2 Gift memberships become immediately active once accepted by us and are nontransferable and non-refundable unless otherwise stated in these terms.

4.3 A gift membership is also subject to the same Membership Terms as the underlying membership type being gifted.

4.4 We may send the membership welcome pack directly to the gifted member/ lead member or to the purchaser’s address, depending on which option the purchaser chooses.

4.5 We may invite the purchaser and/ or the gifted member to renew a gift membership. If:

  • 4.5.1 the purchaser renews the gift membership, the original membership contract is renewed for a further 12-month term, subject to the Membership Terms; or
  • 4.5.2 the gifted member directly renews the membership, they become the contracting member under a new membership contract from the renewal date, subject to the Membership Terms. On the renewal date, our membership contract with the purchaser ends.

5 Membership types and products

5.1 The RSPB offers various types of membership to suit differing circumstances. These may be reviewed by us from time to time and include:

  • 5.1.1 ‘Adult Membership’ or ‘Joint Adult Membership’ – Membership benefits are for the named adult member(s). Joint membership is for two adults living at the same address.
  • 5.1.2 ‘Family Membership’ – Membership benefits are for a family of up to two named adults and up to five named children (under the age of 18). A family is a group of one or more adults and children living together as a family unit.
  • 5.1.3 ‘Youth Membership’ – Membership benefits are for the named child/ youth member, who must be under 18 to be eligible to apply for or renew a Youth Membership.
  • 5.1.4 ‘Life Membership’ or ‘Joint Life Membership’ – Membership benefits are for the lifetime of the named adult member(s). Joint membership is for two adults living at the same address.

5.2 Each membership type may have specific eligibility criteria and benefits. Further details are provided at the point of purchase.

5.3 You can change your membership type by contacting our Supporter Services Team. We aim to update a membership within two months of a valid request, subject to your return of a new payment mandate, if you pay by Direct Debit. A membership change takes effect once you have paid any required amount for the new membership type, or once we have processed your completed payment mandate form. Due to the nature of charitable memberships, we cannot refund monies paid for different membership types.

5.4 We may introduce, change or retire membership products from time to time and in line with our rights under the Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws. If this affects your membership, we will tell you in advance and explain any options available to you. Where appropriate, we may move you to a similar membership product and notify you before doing so.

6 Youth Memberships and children included in Family Memberships

6.1 When you purchase and we accept a Youth Membership, you (as purchaser) enter into the membership contract with us, subject to the Membership Terms.

6.2 By purchasing a Youth Membership or including children on a Family Membership, you agree to the Membership Terms and must ensure the youth/child member adheres to terms as applicable.

6.3 Once a person turns 18, they can no longer hold a Youth Membership or be included as a child on a Family Membership from the next renewal date. To remain a member, they must switch to an adult membership type by contacting our Supporter Services Team. The new adult member will enter into a membership contract with us from the date we accept their new membership.

7 Life Memberships (formerly known as Life Fellows)

7.1 Paragraphs 3.7 (membership commitment), 10 (Membership term, payments and renewal) and 11.2 (cancellation date for annual memberships) do not apply to Life Memberships.

7.2 Life Memberships:

  • 7.2.1 are valid for the lifetime of the named member(s), unless ended before this date;
  • 7.2.2 are non-refundable and nontransferable; and
  • 7.2.3 cannot include children or family, other than an eligible adult under a Joint Life Membership.

7.3 Life members may receive an exclusive membership card and pin badge. A pin badge does not allow access to our reserves or to membership benefits. Life Membership benefits may only be accessed by using your Life Membership card.

7.4 Joint Life Membership is available for two adults that reside at the same address. If the members no longer live at the same address, the membership should be upgraded to two individual Life Memberships. We cannot issue joint membership communications to separate addresses.

7.5 Lifetime benefits may change over time, but we will aim to provide comparable value.

8 Member benefits

8.1 Term of benefits: Members may access their benefits from the date we accept the membership application until the membership ends. Temporary proof of membership may be provided by email, text or paper before your membership card arrives.

8.2 Welcome pack: A welcome pack will be sent to the address provided in the application (which may be the lead member’s or purchaser’s address where applicable).

8.3 Reserve entry and parking: Free reserve entry and/or parking is solely for members to visit our reserves and does not extend to any other purpose, person or group. Proof of ID may be required alongside proof of membership. Paragraph 9.2 details what is accepted as proof of membership. Reserve access is subject to our Terms and Conditions of Entry, opening or access hours and our right to refuse entry or ask you to leave.

Unless directed otherwise, when visiting our reserves, members must always carry their membership cards with them. Reserves may have different rules and systems for access and parking. Members should review and follow the access and parking rules for the reserve they are visiting, which may be found on our website and/or displayed at the reserve. We may review access and parking rules as we see fit.

Access is provided to enable members to visit and view the RSPB’s charitable conservation work. It does not give members exclusive or personal use of a reserve or any RSPB facility.

8.4 Access to events: Members may be offered exclusive access to events or activities that showcase our work. Access is subject to the specific terms of the offer (including any ticketing terms, general event terms or Terms and Conditions of Entry) and additional charges and parking fees may apply. This benefit does not extend to groups or educational visits.

8.5 Magazine: We may provide regular, seasonal magazines or publications that are tailored to your membership and communication preferences. These will be sent to the designated membership address (which may be of the lead member or purchaser) and/or digitally by email, where applicable. You may opt out of receiving our magazine by contacting our Supporter Services Team.

8.6 Membership benefit exclusions: For the avoidance of doubt, membership does not:

  • 8.6.1 allow entry or parking at a nature reserve for commercial operations, commercial or transport vehicles, or a person or group of people not named in a membership;
  • 8.6.2 entitle members to a discount in our shops, cafes, or online shop;
  • 8.6.3 grant any person the right to use the RSPB’s name, logo, trade mark, service mark, copyright materials or other identifying features without our express permission, except as strictly required to use and manage your membership in accordance with these terms; or
  • 8.6.4 grant rights beyond those stated in these terms or in the Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws.


8.7 We reserve the right to change the format or delivery of our welcome pack, magazines or other member communications to meet our evolving strategy. For example, we may reduce the frequency or provide an item digitally in order to meet our environmental goals or due to operational costs or regulatory changes.

8.8 We may suspend, restrict or withdraw access to benefits where reasonably required (e.g. for conservation, safety or operational reasons) or change benefits, rights and offers at our discretion, in accordance with paragraphs 14.1 and 14.2.

8.9 Subject to paragraphs 14.1 and 14.2, we reserve the right to review our membership features, benefits and pricing (including payment methods and schedules offered) to ensure they continue to be relevant to members and contribute effectively to funding our work.

9 Membership cards and proof of membership

9.1 Membership cards and benefits must only be used by the named member(s). Cards must not be shared, copied or misused. It is forbidden for commercial operations to use a membership card to access our sites. Commercial, travel or educational groups require a licence to visit and operate at our reserves. You must not allow or grant any forbidden use of a membership card.

9.2 We may ask for proof of identity when you use a membership card and, if needed, proof of anyone included in your membership. Screenshots/photographs or RSPB stickers will not be accepted as proof of membership. Proof of membership includes showing one of the following: a valid membership card which you are named on; evidence that you are included in the membership of someone present; or a valid temporary access communication (for new members). If a person cannot provide this proof, they may be required to pay for reserve access or parking.

9.3 Your membership card may include a Quick Response (QR) code that may be scanned on entry and/or at parking machines at our reserves. We may use your scanned data to verify card usage and compliance with these terms. We will hold and use this data in line with our Privacy Policy.

9.4 If you lose your membership card or it has been stolen, please contact our Supporter Services Team. For multiple or frequent card replacement requests, we may require proof of identification, and we reserve the right to charge administration and/or postage fees.

9.5 We may restrict or terminate a membership if we believe a card or membership is being misused.

10 Membership term and renewal (this does not apply to Life Memberships)

10.1 Membership term and renewal date: Unless ended in line with these terms, a membership:

  • 10.1.1 is for an initial term of 12 months from the membership start date; and
  • 10.1.2 renews every year for a further 12-month term, on the anniversary of the start date.

However, if you pay by Direct Debit and we do not collect your first payment within a month of your membership start date, your initial term may be extended to 13 months. This allows us to collect the full 12 months of your agreed payment commitment. If this applies, your first renewal date will be 13 months after the start date and your membership card will remain valid until then. After that, your membership will renew every 12 months unless we tell you otherwise.

10.2 We will normally contact you in the month before your renewal date to let you know that your membership is due to renew for a further 12-month term.

10.3 Direct Debit membership renewals: Unless you cancel before the renewal date (either by notifying our Supporter Services Team using the details in paragraph 15.6 or by cancelling your Direct Debit), your membership will automatically renew on the renewal date for a further 12-month term and membership contributions will continue under your Direct Debit arrangement.

10.4 Non-Direct Debit membership renewals: Your renewal notice will set out how to renew your membership and pay the membership contribution. Your membership will not renew unless payment is received. We may issue additional notifications if we do not receive your payment by the due date. Once you have paid for your renewal, your membership will be deemed to renew on the renewal date, except where the payment is late and the membership has lapsed in our system.

10.5 All renewals: If a membership is renewed, you and we agree that from the renewal date:

  • 10.5.1 the membership will continue for a further 12-month term (unless ended earlier) subject to the Membership Terms;
  • 10.5.2 unless a payment is taken in error or other extenuating circumstances apply, we cannot refund any contributions due to their charitable nature; and
  • 10.5.3 your new membership card will be effective for the duration of your further term.


10.6 Renewal will be on the Membership Terms in force at the date of renewal and we recommend that you review the most recent Membership Terms at each renewal.

10.7 We may provide your new membership card for the further 12-month term prior to your renewal date, so that the card is available for immediate use once you renew your membership. If you do not renew or fail to pay your renewal contribution when due, all membership benefits will cease on the renewal date, and any issued membership cards will not be valid and may be confiscated.

10.8 Your renewal notice may set out changes to your membership, including pricing and/or payment methods/schedules applicable to your membership type. By renewing, you accept any changes set out in the renewal notice.

11 Cancellations, upgrades and refunds

11.1 You may cancel your membership via our Supporter Services Team, subject to the terms below.

11.2 A requested cancellation will take effect at the end of your current membership term, unless we notify you otherwise.

11.3 We cannot issue a refund for any membership contributions except where required by law or in certain extenuating circumstances. This is due to our membership contributions being treated by HMRC as charitable donations that must not be subject to any repayment condition.

11.4 If you purchase your membership online, by phone or away from our premises, you may have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of your purchase. If you have this right and you cancel within this period, we will refund your payment provided you have not started using your membership. If you start using your membership benefits during the 14-day period, you agree that your right to a full refund may be lost.

11.5 Membership benefits immediately end when your membership ends and your membership card will no longer be valid and may be reclaimed by us.

11.6 Members may change their membership type or increase their contribution by contacting our Supporter Services Team. However, we cannot refund previous membership contributions.

12 Rejection or termination of membership

12.1 We may refuse a membership application (or renewal) or terminate a membership at our discretion, including where:

  • 12.1.1 the RSPB receives a cancellation request from the purchaser/ member;
  • 12.1.2 the membership contributions remain unpaid 28 days after the due date;
  • 12.1.3 we consider the purchaser’s/ member’s/applicant’s conduct to be inappropriate; or
  • 12.1.4 the purchaser/member has passed away.

We will act reasonably and proportionately with regard to the RSPB’s interests and our rights under the Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws. This includes that where the conduct in paragraph 12.1.3 applies, before we formally decide to terminate a membership, the member concerned will receive notice of the actions complained of and have the opportunity to put forward any written submissions within the timeframe included in the notice.

12.2 Examples of conduct that the RSPB considers inappropriate includes (but is not limited to):

  • 12.2.1 acting in a way that is contrary to our interests or the RSPB Objects, or that we consider is detrimental to the RSPB (which may include using the RSPB’s name, intellectual property or other identifying features without our prior written permission);
  • 12.2.2 being guilty of, or investigated or prosecuted for, a wildlife crime, conviction or caution;
  • 12.2.3 a continuing breach of the Membership Terms, Terms and Conditions of Entry, event terms or other terms, policies or regulations of the RSPB that you are subject to;
  • 12.2.4 allowing your membership card or benefits to be used by someone other than a named person on the card or membership (including for commercial purposes or access by a third-party organisation, group or business); or
  • 12.2.5 threatening, abusive or harassing behaviour towards any person or wildlife.

13 Annual General Meeting

13.1 Members have the right to attend our Annual General Meeting and those over the voting age set by the RSPB Council have the right to vote at the meeting. Notification of the date, time and location (whether online or in-person) may be advertised in the RSPB magazine, on our website or emailed to members (which may be a service message communication if you are not signed up for our standard email communications). Full details of the rights relating to the Annual General Meeting can be found within our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws.

14 Further terms

14.1 We may, at our reasonable discretion, review and make changes to any of the Membership Terms (including these terms and conditions) to ensure they align with our strategy, operations and legal requirements. Changes may be made by updating the Membership Terms on our website. Unless otherwise specified, changes take effect from the date the Membership Terms (including any part of them) are updated on our website. If a change is particularly significant or where we are legally required to do so, we will take steps to notify you directly. Nothing in these Membership Terms is intended to affect any statutory legal rights for consumers.

14.2 Despite our rights under paragraph 14.1, any change we make to membership contributions will only apply to you on renewal of your membership. You may voluntarily increase your membership contribution at any time by contacting our Supporter Services Team.

14.3 Nothing in these terms and conditions varies our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws or any rights that members have under those governing documents. If there is any conflict between these terms and our Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws, the Charter, Statutes and Bye-Laws will take priority.

14.4 While we aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience at our reserves and events, you visit our sites and attend our events at your own risk, and we are not responsible for any third-party actions or events outside our control. Except where not permitted by law, our liability to you is limited to the amount paid in membership contributions for your current membership term.

14.5 The Membership Terms and any dispute or claim that arises in connection with them are governed by the laws of England, and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

14.6 All decisions made by the RSPB regarding memberships are final. If we delay in enforcing this contract or any of our rights, it does not amount to a waiver, and we can still enforce them later.

14.7 Anything said by any salesperson or member of our staff on our behalf should not be understood as a variation of the Membership Terms or these terms and conditions.

15 Keeping in touch, data protection and contacting us

15.1 You authorise the RSPB to use the personal information you provide, in accordance with applicable data protection laws and our Privacy Policy. If you provide us with personal information relating to another individual, you confirm that the individual (or their guardian) has consented to this and you have provided them with access to our Privacy Policy.

15.2 You should tell us if any of your contact details change as we may need to contact you by email, post, and/or phone to administer your membership (including to send your membership pack, renewal communications and notices of any changes to the contract terms, pricing, membership type/ package or benefits). Where permitted by law, these communications are necessary to fulfil our membership contract with you and are distinct from opt-in marketing communications.

15.3 Where permitted, or in line with your communication preferences, we may also contact you with other information about the RSPB, including digital communications, offers and benefits that we think you may be interested in and how you can further support our work. You can update your communication preferences or unsubscribe at any time by following the instructions in our communications or by contacting our Supporter Services Team.

15.4 Please note, changes to memberships or personal details cannot be done online. To update your details, manage your membership or ask a question, please contact our Supporter Services Team.

15.5 You can also contact our Supporter Services Team with a complaint, and we will try to resolve any problems you have with us in accordance with our Complaints Policy.

15.6 You can contact our Supporter Services Team by:

  • Email: membership@rspb.org.uk
  • Phone: 01767 693680 (9am to 5pm UK time, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays)
  • Post: Supporter Services, The RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL

Thank you again for supporting the vital work of the RSPB

If you’d prefer a large-print or large PDF version, please contact our Supporter Services Team on 01767 693680.

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