Our Objectives

• To promote interest in and enjoyment of birds and birdwatching in Dorset for all
• To encourage participation in surveys and data collection
• To collate Dorset bird data, producing the annual Dorset Bird Report
• To use the data to provide comment on and insight into local conservation issues
• To promote small-scale local projects through the DBC Conservation Fund
• To work collaboratively with partner conservation organisations to achieve these objectives

In 1987 local birdwatchers decided that there was a need for an independent bird club in the county and the (New) Dorset Bird Club was formed. The Club took over the role of collating bird records, producing the annual Dorset Bird Report ever since.

Previously, observations of Dorset's birdlife have been recorded in various publications since the late 1700s. The County's first avifauna, J.C. Mansel-Pleydell's 'The Birds of Dorsetshire: A Contribution to the Natural History of the County', appeared in 1888. It was nearly 100 years before the next avifauna was published in 1983 - 'The Birds of Dorset' by Col. E.D.V. Prendergast and J.V. Boys. This was followed 20 years later by the current avifauna 'The Birds of Dorset' by George Green, financially aided by The Dorset Bird Club and published by Christopher Helm in 2004.

The Dorset Bird Club is a membership-based club, financed and run by its members. We welcome all, and are keen to support and encourage newcomers to birdwatching.

If you are not a member of the club but are interested in Dorset's birds, then do join!