About Us
Welcome to Somerset West Bird Club – we are glad you’ve perched on our page and trust you’ll enjoy your visit.
History of the Club
Since 1989 our club has encouraged birding and conservation in the Helderberg region (Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Sir Lowry’s Pass and surrounding areas).
The club supports and promotes conservation especially with regard to birding issues in our area. The Club was a founder member of the Western Cape Birding Forum, which under the sponsorship of Birdlife SA coordinates Western Cape Bird Clubs and regional birding activities and conservation programmes.
We continue to work actively with the Cape Town City Parks Department to revive the Dick Dent Bird Sanctuary as a worthwhile birding conservation site and a small wetland which is attractive for local and visiting birders. The Bird Rehabilitation Centre has also been supported by the Club.
Somerset West Bird Club was also the founder of the Helderberg Environmental and Educational Project which financed transport for less privileged school children to visit and enjoy bird and wildlife educational programmes at the Helderberg Nature Reserve.
Kelp Gull by Marinda Bruwer
The purpose of our club is to:
- Encourage anyone who has an interest in birds to find the joy of bird-watching and learn about the wonderful world of our feathered friends
- Support and promote conservation especially relating to birding issues in and around the Helderberg basin.
Good reasons to join the roost
- Enjoy birdwatching with like-minded people
- Expand your knowledge of birds and where to find them
- Enjoy regular outings and meetings
- Receive the Batis magazine published every quarter
- Download an example copy of the Batis below. If you enjoy it, why not join and receive the latest edition every quarter.
- Batis August 2024
How to join the roost
MEMBERSHIP subscriptions are due in January of each year. Our 2024 subscription is:
- Individual or family membership: R160 per year including an electronic copy of our quarterly magazine, the Batis, sent by eMail. There is also an option to receive a printed copy of the Batis for R220 per year.
- Life membership for individual or family: One-off payment of R1,945 including an electronic copy of Batis magazine sent by eMail