The RSPB, founded in 1889, is Europe's largest voluntary wildlife conservation body. Its work in the conservation of wild birds and habitats covers acquisition and management of nature reserves; research and survey; monitoring and response to development proposals, land uses practices and pollution which threaten wild birds and protection of rare and endangered species. Work in the education and information field are of great importance.

RSPB is the UK partner in BirdLife International (formerly the International Council for Bird Preservation), and is the largest Society within this partnership.

Within the Forum, RSPB's main priority has been to ensure conservation progress in the South Atlantic Territories. It is currently the lead organisation in a joint project with the Forum and the FCO to devise ways of restoring biodiversity on Ascension Island.