Sherborne History and Natural history

Roger Davies

23 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

Since the theme of this group is both the history and the natural history of Sherborne, I have a couple of notices.

The first concerns a local ecology campaigner, Debbie Campbell, aka "the River Girl". Debbie is passionate about the state of Cotswold Rivers and the wildlife and nature that lives within it. She has launched a YouTube channel, and the first video podcast was posted on that at the weekend, explaining her motives. It was filmed here in Sherborne, alongside the Sherborne Brook. I know that Debbie will be posting more video podcasts in the future, and if you're the sort of person who follows people on YouTube, and you have an interest in local ecology and our rivers you might find this very interesting. Here's the link. I think we should support her campaigning efforts as they align so closely with ours.

Secondly, and much less importantly, I've been asked to give a talk to the Northleach Historical Society. 6 May , 7.30pm , cost £5 for non members (proceeds go to the Society not me!). I'll be talking about how the parklands at Lodge Park and Sherborne Park seem to have been laid out in the 1620s, and with one or two surprising conclusions, including a secret relating to Charles Bridgeman's layout a century later. All is not quite as it seems and there are some remarkable features that have remained hidden for hundreds of years. Details are at this link.

(a little excerpt of a slide as a taster... )

Sherborne's Big Breakfast

This Saturday is Sherborne's Big Breakfast. Details below. In my opinion the cause that money is being raised for is the most worthy local charity I think there is. Kate's Nursing Care provides free hospice care at home, and is highly respected. It's a

Sherborne's Housemartins arrive on schedule

Serena reports the first sight this year of Housemartins, inspecting a previous nest by her house. Serena carefully records their appearance every year and says that they almost always appear 12-15th April so that's bang on schedule. Although swallows have been seen also, no sign of the usual

Update from Thames Water re Sherborne sewage (NOT!)

You will recall that at the last Windrush Catchment Partnership I raised concerns about the continuing discharge of Sherborne's sewage into the Windrush river system at Bourton Sewage Treatment works without treatment - over 1000 hours so far this year. No Thames Water representative was able to attend.

Swallows In Sherborne - Signs of Spring

Rosi has reported two swallows today. At the end of March, that is notably early, though not without precedent. Our records show the first swallow last year arrived around 7th April, itself a week ahead of the typical mid-April arrival. Whether these two are settling here or simply passing through

Read more

Sherborne's Big Breakfast

Sherborne's Housemartins arrive on schedule

Update from Thames Water re Sherborne sewage (NOT!)

Swallows In Sherborne - Signs of Spring