Sherborne Birders is a friendly, community-led group for anyone interested in birds and birdwatching in and around Sherborne.
Formed in April 2026 as part of the Wild Sherborne project, the group began by focusing on recording bird species at Sherborne Old Castle as part of a wider biodiversity mapping initiative. Since then, it has started to grow into a network of local people keen to observe, learn about and protect birdlife across the town. The group is also affiliated as a Local Group with the Dorset Bird Club.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or just curious about the birds in your garden, Sherborne Birders offers a welcoming way to get involved.
Sherborne Birders is a friendly, community-led group for anyone interested in birds. Members regularly observe and record bird sightings, helping to build a clearer picture of local biodiversity. The group began by focusing on recording bird species at Sherborne Old Castle as part of a wider biodiversity mapping initiative. Since then, it has grown into a network of local people keen to observe, learn about and protect birdlife across the town.
The group is also affiliated as a Local Group with the Dorset Bird Club.
Increasingly, members are also recording birds across other green spaces, gardens and habitats throughout the town. Many in the group also contribute to national surveys run by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), including:
- BirdTrack
- Garden Birdwatch
- Breeding Bird Survey (BBS).
These contributions help ensure that local observations feed into a much bigger national understanding of bird populations and environmental change.
Why it matters
Birds are an important indicator of the health of our environment. By recording what species are present—and how this changes over time—Sherborne Birders is helping to build valuable data that can inform conservation efforts both locally and nationally.
On a local level, this information supports Wild Sherborne’s wider work to understand and enhance biodiversity in the town.
Just as importantly, the group helps people connect more closely with nature—something that benefits both wildlife and the community.
Get involved
Sherborne Birders is open to anyone with an interest in birds, whatever your level of experience.
You don’t need specialist knowledge or equipment to get started—just curiosity and a willingness to look and listen.
The group is still in its early stages and is keen to grow. Future plans include:
- expanding recording across more areas of Sherborne
- working with local schools and community groups
- encouraging more people to take part in birdwatching and citizen science.
If you’d like to join or find out more, we’d love to hear from you.
How to take part
You can get involved in a number of ways:
- Join the Sherborne Birders group.
- Start recording birds in your garden or local area.
- Contribute to national surveys such as BirdTrack or Garden Birdwatch.
- Come along to future group activities and events.
Every sighting counts, and everyone is welcome.
To get in touch, email birds@wildsherborne.co.uk.
Join our Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/sherbornebirders
