The SOC is supported by a small team of twelve paid staff, based primarily at our Headquarters at Waterston House in Aberlady, East Lothian. Like many charities, however, our work would not be possible without the dedication, time, and expertise of our volunteers.
As our membership continues to grow, we are always pleased to hear from people who would like to get involved and support our work. Whether you can spare a few hours occasionally or make a more regular commitment, there are a variety of ways to contribute.
At Waterston House, SOC Headquarters
Our HQ volunteers play an important role in supporting the Club's day-to-day activities. Opportunities include:
- Welcoming and assisting visitors
- Providing administrative support
- Assisting in the library and archives
- Maintaining our wildlife garden
- Helping to change over our art exhibitions
- Assisting with other office-based tasks as required
If you are interested in volunteering at Waterston House, please contact us on 01875 871330 or complete the SOC Volunteer Application Form (Word document) and return it by email to accounts@the-soc.org.uk.
Across Scotland with our local branches
With fifteen branches across the country, there are often opportunities to get involved on your local patch! Volunteers are needed to help:
- Support branch committees
- Organise outings and events
- Arrange local speakers for the winter talks programme
- Assist with other branch activities and projects
Visit our Local Branches pages for contact details of the Branch Secretaries, who will be delighted to hear from you and to suggest any potential openings.
Bird recording
Recording Scotland’s birdlife is a core aim of the SOC’s work. Volunteers make a valuable contribution by collecting and submitting bird records, helping to improve our understanding of bird populations and their conservation.
- BirdTrack – The BirdTrack app is a great way to record your bird sightings while out in the field. The project provides a free and convenient way to store your bird records online, keep up to date with what others are seeing and view the latest trends. By logging your sightings on BirdTrack, you are ensuring that they reach local bird recorders and are available to support science and conservation. To find out more, or to register and get started, visit the BirdTrack website.
- Local bird surveys – Many SOC branches run their own surveys focussing on a particular species or habitat in their local area. The best way to find out about local surveys is contacting your local branch. In Lothian, a discussion group meets September to April, on the first Wednesday evening of the month to plan local survey fieldwork and review results, discuss atlas work and other activities. Meetings are held at 7.30pm in Waterston House. These are open to all SOC members. For more information on the group please email Mark Holling.
- National surveys – BTO organises a range of UK-wide volunteer surveys and projects including the Breeding Bird Survey, Wetland Bird Survey and Bird Ringing Scheme. You can find out more about BTO surveys and how to get involved at Projects | BTO.
- Local Recorders’ Network – The SOC's Local Recorders' Network is made up of volunteer local bird recorders, assistant recorders and report editors covering 20 recording areas across Scotland. They undertake a range of tasks, including collating bird records, managing data, assessing records, writing and editing bird reports and engaging with local birders. In some areas, all these tasks are carried out by a single local recorder, but where possible tasks are shared among a small team of assistant recorders and report editors to benefit from each other’s individual skillsets. If you are interested in getting involved or want to find out more, you can contact the local bird recorder for your area or the SOC Birding and Science Officer birdingofficer@the-soc.org.uk
Thank you for your interest in offering your help and support to the Club.
