Become a VSG Member

One of the great strengths of the Visitor Safety Group is the breadth of our membership. This enables us to develop well-founded and relevant guidance for all types of landscapes across Great Britain and Ireland.

We can call upon a depth of experience amongst managers of National Parks, forests and woodlands, country parks and nature reserves.

Our membership includes managers of over a thousand miles of coastline, major inland navigation authorities and water companies, bringing specialist knowledge of managing water safety.

We have significant expertise in managing public access to land listed for its ecological or landscape value, including eleven World Heritage sites.

Over 6.7 million people are enrolled members of our organisations, with 100,000 doing volunteer work on our sites.

We hold at least four full meetings every year and four each for the Ireland and Historic Built Environment sub groups.

They are hosted by different membership organisations, to look at topics of concern, share good practice and report back on developments. Each meeting usually includes indoor and outdoor elements.

All member organisations are eligible to attend all open meetings free of charge, with a maximum of two places per event (although additional places will be made available whenever possible). Members must book in advance so that we can provide appropriate space, facilities and refreshments.

At least one meeting every two years will include a review of VSG work and budgets, a discussion of priorities and developments and an opportunity to share anything not already fitted in to other meetings.

Day 1 (usually Tuesday) – Group networking dinner

On occasion, we may also offer an additional workshop option on Day 1 afternoon.

The VSG Board always hold their management meetings on day 1 and welcome the opportunity to discuss issues with members over dinner.

We will recommend accommodation options.

Day 2 (usually Wednesday) – Members’ meeting

Welcome to site or seminar at 09.30. Introductory speakers, site visit, meeting back indoors to conclude business, agree further work, take questions. We normally provide a buffet lunch, free of charge, providing further networking opportunities. Meetings usually continue after lunch but should not finish later than 16.00.

VSG Webinars

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic VSG has introduced regular webinars.

Members of VSG are given exclusive access to content on the VSG website, access to an exclusive members only forum and a free downloadable copy of our ‘Managing Visitor Safety in the Countryside’ publication.

Please find below details for the cost of membership for new members from 2023/24. Existing members fees will remain the same for 2023/24 but will increase to the new rate from 2024/25, and for all members from April 2024. They are outlined in the table below.

If you wish to apply to become a member of VSG please email the VSG Secretariat: elizabeth@out-scape.com