Swallows In Sherborne - Signs of Spring

Roger Davies

31 Mar 2026 — 1 min read

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 on their way north remains to be seen.

There are also unconfirmed reports that an osprey passed through a few days ago. If true, that too would be early. Ospreys are spectacular, solitary travellers, and sightings in this valley are always worth noting. Keep your eyes and cameras peeled. We should expect house martins soon - let me know when you see them.

Finally, there is a piece about the Sherborne Brook in the current April issue of Cotswolds Life. I cannot reproduce the article here, so you will need to seek it out yourselves. Worth a look.

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.

Oaks and Water

(Because sometimes these are the two most important elements of Sherborne's history, and natural history - they are a theme which runs across the millenia) Some good news this week, and one piece of decidedly bad news. Let us start with the good. Ancestor Oaks: A Milestone Reached

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Sherborne's Big Breakfast

Sherborne's Housemartins arrive on schedule

Update from Thames Water re Sherborne sewage (NOT!)

Oaks and Water