Local Event – Global Vision

The main purpose of  Dovedale Sheepdog Trials Society is to preserve and promote the craft of sheepdog training and handling to the benefit of dogs, sheep, shepherds, the farming community and the landscape. In pursuit of its goal, the staging of the annual August trial adds appeal to the tourist offering of the locality and contributes any monetary surplus to local and national charities.

The event is managed and delivered by the volunteers that comprise the Committee with the paid services of local businesses supplying commentary facilities, marquees and toilets etc. Other local businesses that include licenced victuallers (the “Green Man” from Bottom House for several years and, more recently, the “Anchor” from Tean), catering companies, ice cream sellers, and craft stalls, that have included spinners, soap makers, producers of preserves, stick makers, traditional toy producers and artists, benefit by trading at the Trial and contribute to the Trial through pitch rental and the diversity that they add to the event.