CODE OF CONDUCT:  Over the years serious attempts have been made to ensure the good conduct of B.O.S. members, giving full consideration to both the birds and the local landowners whose continued co-operation is valued by the Society.  It is also the practice in the B.O.S. that members should refrain from following up records of uncommon species.  If in doubt one should ask the original observer both as a matter of common courtesy and more importantly to minimise the risk of disturbance.  The locality may still be suppressed either at the observer’s request or alternatively at the Society’s  discretion should it be considered in the birds’ best interests.  Always try to obtain the permission of the landowner before entering private property and, where limited permission is granted to one or two members, it is imperative that others should accept the situation in the interests of the B.O.S.  There will always be areas of doubt and the advice of committee members is available.  They will always be pleased to help with such matters.  Watching birds is a privilege we all enjoy and respect for them and the landowners is a small price to pay in return.  The following ten points given by the R.S.P.B. are worth bearing in mind:

1.              The welfare of birds must come first.

2.              Habitat must be protected.

3.              Keep disturbance to birds and their habitat to a minimum.

4.              When you find a rare bird think carefully about whom you should tell.

5.              Do not harass rare migrants.

6.              Abide by the Wildlife and Countryside Acts at all times.

7.              Respect the rights of landowners.

8.              Respect the rights of other people in the countryside.

9.              Make your records available to the local bird recorder.

10.          Behave abroad as you would when bird watching at home.

RELATIONS WITH THE MEDIA: Would all members please take care if they contemplate talking to the press, or if the press approach you on bird or conservation issues. 

If you are expressing a personal opinion, please do not say you are a B.O.S. member; you may well be misquoted.  If you think the B.O.S. may be interested in press coverage please speak to any Committee member.