The Surbiton and District Bird Watching Society was formed in 1954. Over the years, it has grown to become one of the foremost ornithological societies in the South East of England, located about 25 miles to the South West of London.
Since its foundation, the Society has grown in strength and reputation,
providing its membership with a consistently wide range of activities.
The chief “driving force” behind the founding of SDBWS was Hockley Clarke who, by 1954,
was well known as a writer on countryside matters as well as editor of his magazine
“Birds and Country”. Hockley was the Honorary Organiser, and, during the early years of
the Society's activities, he was responsible for the preparation and distribution of
information sheets, bulletins and programmes of events, and also for the organisation of
indoor meetings and field outings.
Currently, the Society has around 200 members and partakes in many activites including
field outings and residential weekends. There are also several groups active in
supporting the British Trust for Ornithology and RSPB in their various censuses
The society meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at Surbiton Library, commencing at 8pm, except for August (no meeting). If you would like to join, or are simply visiting the area either contact the membership secretary, Gary Caine. Tel: 01372 468432, e-mail the Society or simply come along.
Subscriptions are 10 pounds per year.
