Membership

Society membership is open to anyone with an interest in Shetland Sheep.
You don't have to keep sheep to join and there are many benefits of membership

When you join the Shetland Sheep Society you join a large family of enthusiastic supporters of the breed. We are all passionate about this marvellous breed and welcome every new member. Committee members and area representatives are spread widely across the UK mainland and, along with other experienced breeders, are always there to help you get started and answer your queries along the way.

In addition to that help, there are the following benefits of membership:

  • Quarterly Newsletter - The newsletter is sent to members informing them of committee news, members' activities, letters, show reports, legislation and health issues, press releases and much more.
  • Monthly eNews - A monthly eNews with time sensitive information which supplements the information in the quarterly Newsletter. It will be sent to members who supply an e-mail address and who wish to receive it.
  • Sheep Registration - Registration of members' purebred sheep in our 'state of the art' Flock Book gives the facility for on-line or hard copy pedigree records and searches, detailed information on registered sheep and annual flock statistics.
  • Ram Inspections - Members are encouraged to take part in our voluntary Ram Inspections for shearling and older rams. A team of trained inspectors will assess the qualities of members' rams and advise on suitability for pure breeding.
  • Fleece Assessment - As a complement to ram inspections, and as an aid to breeding for better fleece quality, members are encouraged to take advantage of the Society’s Fleece workshops. Fleece quality both on and off the hoof is a focus for discussion at our workshops which along with ram inspections help to maintain and improve upon wool quality. At many Society shows and sales fleece competitions take place along with similar competitions at major shows for both on and off the hoof wool.
  • Area Representatives -The Shetland Sheep Society is supported by a team of Area Representatives who are on hand to welcome and assist new members and to provide an on-going co-ordination role in their region.
  • Regional Workshops - These are held on many Shetland topics aimed to share knowledge and assist members to assess and manage their own flocks.
  • Promotion of the Breed - The Society promotes and supports our breed at shows and sales in all parts of the country, with special classes and trophies for Shetland sheep and wool. The breed stand currently attends events at Wonderwool Wales and Woolfest along with NSA industry Sheep events.
  • Industry and Government Liaison - The Society is affiliated to the National Sheep Association and takes an active role in influencing legislation which affects our members' interests.
  • Breed Advertising - A proportion of our annual income is spent on Breed promotion with adverts in national and local press along with pen banners at shows. Facebook pages are used to promote our official SSS sales.   In addition we offer a wide range of promotional merchandise for sale.
  • Social Events - Social events are organized, generally on a regional basis; however, the dinner following the AGM is recommended as an opportunity to meet fellow members from across the country.
  • Facebook Members only Page - We have a members only Facebook page where members can seek advice and get rapid answers from other members.
  • Breed Research - The Society is both directly and indirectly involved in research into matters affecting registered Shetland sheep as opportunities occur.
  • Website - This website is, of course, open for anyone to benefit from but as a member you will find the ‘Members only’ section will help you buy and sell sheep as well as other products, produce and equipment, and the News & Events and Calendar will keep you informed of the various opportunities that, as a member, you can take part in.

Sign up for Membership

We have an online system to take payment for new and renewal Memberships. Simply click the button below and fill in the form, payment will be taken by PayPal, just below the PayPal option you can choose to pay by Card too.

If you'd rather sign up by post, please download the relevent form further down this page.

Join Online Here

 Direct Debit

For members wanting to sign up online to pay fees by direct debit please folow the link below (this will open as a separate window) 

Direct Debit

Membership Details & Postal Registration Forms

There are four types of membership, a one off joining fee and a one off flock registration fee. See below for details.

One-off Joining Fee

  • Single (one AGM vote) £7.50
  • Joint / Family (two AGM votes) £7.50

  • Associate (non-voting) N/A
  • Overseas (non-voting) N/A

One-off Flock Name Registration Fee*

  • Single (one AGM vote) £5.00
  • Joint / Family (two AGM votes) £5.00

  • Associate (non-voting) N/A
  • Overseas (non-voting) N/A

* Flock name registration is optional on joining and can be paid on first sheep registration. 

Annual Subscription

  • Single (one AGM vote): £30.00 Subscription
  • Joint / Family (two AGM votes) £35.00 Subscription

  • Associate (non-voting) £20.00 Subscription
  • Overseas (non-voting) £40.00 Subscription
  • New Single or Joint Members should add £7.50 for the Joining Fee and £5.00 if registering a new flock

 Annual subscriptions are due on 1st April

There is a re-joining fee of £7.50 applicable should your membership not be renewed by 1st May.

In addition, there are modest fees for registrations and (voluntary) ram inspections.

Membership Forms for New Members

Please download the  membership application form below:

DOWNLOAD NEW MEMBER FORM HERE

Single Member


  • Single person or corporate body
  • UK resident
  • Flock Name registration
  • One vote at the AGM

Joint / Family Member


  • Two or more people
  • UK residents
  • Nominated mailing address
  • Flock Name registration
  • Two AGM votes for two nominated people

Associate Member


  • One or more people
  • UK resident
  • Nominated mailing address
  • No sheep registration
  • Non-voting

Overseas Member


  • One or more people
  • Non-UK resident
  • Nominated mailing address
  • No sheep registration
  • Non-voting

 2024/25 Renewal Form for Existing Members

There is one renewal form for ALL types of membership.

Please print off and complete your renewal form before returning it to the Membership Secretary at the address shown on the form.

Download Form Here

 

Any Questions?

If you have any queries please contact the Secretary Here >

 

Become a Member

Joining our friendly society gives you access to our on-line Flock Book, monthly eNews, quarterly Breed Magazine, Members’ Facebook page and so much more.

Join Now

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