Why we would like you to join the Open Spaces Society
We are delighted that you have found us, and expressed an interest in joining us. We appreciate that this may be because you would like help from us, or you want to help us, or just support our work. Whatever the reason, your membership will be invaluable to us. Please take a moment to read this information about the society, as it outlines ways in which we can help you. As a small charity, we greatly appreciate the support of our members, and it is impossible for us to function without you!
Ways in which we can help you
- By providing professional advice and assistance in matters relating to the protection of common land, town and village greens, open spaces and public paths. As we are only a small charity, we request that people join us before they can make use of this service.
- In addition to the advice you can obtain from our staff, you can, as a member, benefit from a free legal-advisory service offered by a firm of solicitors in Swansea. They will give the first 30 minutes of their time free to members of the society. More details about this can be obtained on request.
- We offer discounts on our publications to members of the society. Our book Our Common Land is the definitive work on the law of commons and village greens. Getting Greens Registered advises on the law and procedure of registering land as a ‘new’ green. These publications are updated regularly.
- Membership entitles you to any of the information sheets available on our publications list.
- As a member you receive three, free copies a year of our lively and informative magazine Open Space.
- Many of our members are local community groups, residents’ associations and amenity societies. We also have many individual members active in protecting their local spaces and paths. We deal with over 300 cases a year in virtually all parts of England and Wales. Almost certainly we shall be assisting members in your area. By supporting us, you will be helping us to help them.
Membership Rates
If you join online, we waive your enrolment fee (usually £7.00 for individuals and £12.00 for groups)
Individual - £30.00 annually
Joint Individual – £45.00 annually
Life Membership – £600.00
Local Groups, Parish Councils, Town Councils – £40.00 annually
National Organisations, District & Borough Councils – £150.00 annually
County Councils and Unitary Authorities – £350.00 annually
In exceptional circumstances, we offer a concessionary rate for ‘individual’ and ‘joint individual’ membership if you feel you can’t afford to pay the full rate. Please telephone for details.
Click here to become a new member and pay online
Click here to download an application form and pay by post. (Adobe PDF format)
Membership Terms and Conditions
Membership is effective when processed by the office, not when payment occurs.
The OSS reserves the right to refuse membership to any individual and/or group. Where membership is refused after payment has been received through the site, the monies will be refunded within 28 days.