About Us

Welcome to the Dorset Raptor Study Group

Through research, monitoring, and conservation, we aim to ensure the survival and well-being of these raptors in their natural habitats. Our work is focussed within the southern and largely rural county of Dorset, in the UK.

All about us

  • Hobby chick

    Our Mission

    Read about why DRSG is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and protection of birds of prey and owls throughout Dorset.

  • Raptor worker in the field.

    Our Story

    Learn about our how we began as a small team of skilled field researchers with a shared interest in helping and studying some truly remarkable species.

  • Film crew on location in forest

    Education

    Helping people learn about the wildlife around them, we share stories, live-stream nest cameras and talk to TV about the work we do.

Innovating in the field of raptor research

Read about our Hobby cam

Our Story

Beginning as a small team of skilled field researchers with a shared interest in helping and studying raptors in Dorset, since 2017 we now deploy advanced tech at nest sites to allow us to study in great detail the nesting ecology of rare raptor species like the Eurasian Hobby.

Working to understand and protect of birds of prey and owls throughout Dorset, our monitoring work gathers data and helps with the conservation of some truly remarkable species.

Through research, monitoring, and conservation, we aim to ensure the survival and well-being of these raptors in their natural habitats. Our work is focussed within the southern and largely rural county of Dorset, in the UK.

“FE whole heartedly value the dedication and professionalism that DRSG bring to our species conservation efforts for the wide variety of raptors that use our woodlands in South Dorset.”

— Mark Warn BEM, Wildlife Ranger & Landscape Recovery Manager

Our Mission

The Dorset Raptor Study Group (DRSG) is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and protection of birds of prey and owls throughout Dorset. Several commonly known species are experiencing noticeable declines, while others are showing signs of growth. Through our research, we track these changes and contribute to the conservation of these remarkable birds.

Sharing our passion

We talk about the special wildlife here in Dorset to all who will listen! TV shows allow us to reach a wider audience as we help raise awareness of the value of nature to our lives and in our community.

Find out more
BBC film crew on location.

Working in partnership

Key to our work are great relationships with the people who work the land. Working alongside land managers and owners like Forestry England enables us to access special areas and also to input our research to better assist data as part of wider management plans.

Find out more @dorsetforest

Unique live streaming cameras

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Our research

Amongst our research we are carrying out colour ringing studies and detailed analysis of the prey items brought in to Hobby nests across different habitats and years using innovative camera solutions. We look forward to the next stages of our research and we look forward to sharing the results with you.

Report a colour ring

Working with volunteers

As a small team, we welcome help from others and teamwork is often the best way forward. Sometimes this is assistance with monitoring or simply reports of sightings. We also team up with the Dorset Forest’s Wareham Wood Volunteers - you can find out more about them below.

Volunteering at Wareham Forest

Look out for our news and updates on our Bluesky socials

Support Us

Looking to support our work on raptors in Dorset? Donate today to help the work on some truly remarkable species.

Find out more