There are three forms of membership:
Ordinary membership: Open to those people resident in Devon and The Exmoor National Park.
Associate Membership: All other people who wish to join the Society
Junior Handlers: Are up to and including 17 years old. Junior members are entitled to run two dogs at Society Trials free. Junior handlers who are not members will pay £1 per entry
New members are always welcome. In 2024, we had attendees from across the globe, with handlers from the Pacific Northwest (US) and Brazil competing.
Costs
Membership is payable in advance annually in November – this is due now. Forms need to be e-mailed to Lucy Knight with BACS payment.
£10 per adult
£15 per (2) adults
£2.50
2025 Renewals are Due
Please download the form by clicking on the button, and send your completed application to Lucy Knight, with payment by BACS.
Membership Benefits
Membership entitles each member to:
- Reduced entry fees for all Devon and Exmoor Sheep Dog Society Trials
- Free admission to watch all Devon and Exmoor Sheep Dog Society Trials
- Devon and Exmoor Sheep Dog Society Annual Trial Brochure ( this also lists other trials run in the area which are independent)
In addition, members may advertise free on our website. Non-members can advertise for a fee of £5 for a period of four weeks. Adverts will be posted on site on receipt of payment.
Our annual Society Dinner is held at the end of the season. Information regarding the date will be posted nearer the time. We always look forward to congratulating trophy recipients and reflecting on the year – this (2025) year we have agreed to a joint dinner with the Cornwall Society.
Trials & Entry
Trial runs are pre-entry only. Entry forms are provided at the beginning of the season for DESS trials. Please stayed tuned for our 2025 brochure.
We cannot process entries past closing date. Please watch our Facebook page and set yourself calendar reminders to ensure these get in on time. Our committee works hard to provide running orders, organise course directors, and prepare judges – this keeps each trial running efficiently for the dogs, sheep, and our membership.

Committee member, Nick Fell working hard at 2024 Nationals – starting early and staying late with his tractor.
Devon & Exmoor Sheepdog Society Committee Officers
Chairman
David Kennard
01271 870056
Vice Chairman
Victor Pitts
01392 832669
Secretary
Wendy Watson
01822 880215
Treasurer
Trials Secretary
Julie Tucker
07970 033813
Membership
Lucy Knight
07875 394583
Trophy Secretary
Selena Short
07805 922831
Committee members
Roderick Hayes (01884 860019)
Philip Davies Russell (07717 217142)
Fiona Davies Russell (Social Media Manager – 07388 116905)
Shirley Greenaway
Nick Fell (07887 594829)
Tracy Carter (Webmaster)