August bank holiday is nearly here. Explore Golden Cap's coastal views, Arne's heathland, Stonebarrow's smugglers trail, Valley of Stones' Ice Age boulders, Durlston's trails and the ghost village at Tyneham. More places to explore: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/explore/ 📷 : Golden Cap by Donna Edwards
Dorset National Landscape
@dorsetlandscape.bsky.social
Dorset National Landscape is the new name for the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Every fingerpost tells a story. Across Dorset, volunteers and craftspeople are bringing these familiar landmarks back to life, preserving a small but important part of Dorset's identity. Old signs. New skills. Shared pride. https://dorset-nl.org.uk/project/dorset-fingerpost-project/
Summer afternoons in Weymouth and Portland are made for a Waggy Walk 🐶 Gentle group walks most Mondays at 2pm, with or without a dog, supported by Nature Buddy Linda. Free to join and everyone is welcome. Find out more via our activity finder 👇 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-activities/
Coast Path Connectors run regular wellbeing walks in Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Swanage. A friendly Nature Buddy is there to welcome you and walk alongside you, so that first step feels easier. Free to join, everyone welcome. https://dorset-nl.org.uk/step-into-summer-with-a-nature-buddy/
Summer is a great season for a guided walk. The National Trust runs walks across West Dorset, and a Nature Buddy can come along to welcome you and walk beside you. One-off walks or a series, all are welcome! 🌳 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/step-into-summer-with-a-nature-buddy/
Want to try something new outdoors but feel nervous about turning up on your own? At Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, a Nature Buddy goes with you, at your pace. Friday mornings, from butterfly surveys now to hedge laying in winter. Contact Kate on 01305 228246 to find out more.
National Marine Week runs until 9 August. Dorset Wildlife Trust is celebrating the incredible journeys of marine wildlife, with seashore safaris and more along the Dorset coast. Find an event: https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/national-marine-week-2026 📷 : Keith Simpson
Nature Buddies has arrived in Christchurch! Take part in hands-on conservation sessions at BCP nature reserves, from Hengistbury Head to Stanpit Marsh, with a trained Nature Buddy alongside you. https://dorset-nl.org.uk/conservation-activities-christchurch/
Happy National Ice Cream Day! 🍦 We are showcasing one of our FiPL funded projects - Liberty Farm, in Dorset who turn excess milk into locally made ice cream, cutting waste on the farm. Read more about how the farm is diversifying as a business: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/liberty-farm-case-study/
The Big Butterfly Count runs 17 July to 9 August. Find a sunny Dorset spot, spend 15 minutes counting the butterflies you see, and record them for Butterfly Conservation. Sign up at https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org 🦋
Thank you to Catherine from the South West Coast Path Association, a Nature Buddies host site, for leading a Riverside Wellbeing Walk at our conference. A gentle stroll through Kingston Maurward down to the river. https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/Get-involved/coast-path-connectors/dorset/
At the Nature Buddies Conference, Will Behenna shared the story behind the Beach Access Project. We funded his early research into barriers to Dorset's blue spaces. Learn more: https://beachaccessproject.co.uk/
Long days, warm light and the Dorset landscape full of inspiration ☀️ All Ways Out's Creative Activities invite you to explore it all through writing, art and storytelling, wherever you are this summer. Wild Writing, Activity Cards and more await at www.allwaysout.org.
Thank you to Claire, Countryside Ranger at Thorncombe Woods, for a nature connection walk at our conference. Just five minutes from Dorchester, Thorncombe Woods is hosting free guided walks this summer 👇 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/events
Paying real attention to nature is one of the simplest ways to lift your mood and steady a busy mind. The Noticing Nature section of All Ways Out has gentle ways to tune in, from nightjar walks to wildlife webcams, indoors or out. https://dorset-nl.org.uk/all_ways_out/noticing-nature/
The Summer Solstice is tomorrow 🌅 Where in Dorset will you be when the sun rises just before 5am on Sunday and the longest day of the year begins? 📷 : Tony Gill #SummerSolstice #Dorset
Over 60 people gathered at Kingston Maurward for the Nature Buddies Conference, celebrating nature-based befriending across Dorset. The programme has now secured funding through to March 2027! Full round-up here 👇 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-conference-2026/
Did you know National Trust do guided walks through Thorncombe Woods? No booking needed, just turn up at the Visitor Centre for 12.15. Next dates: 2 & 21 June, 4 & 19 Jul, 1, 4, 16 and 22 Aug 🌳 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hardys-cottage/events/66af9567-02ad-4a4f-9711-2769878692fc
The Nature Buddies Network Conference is on 10 June at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester. Talks, workshops, taster activities and time to connect with people doing brilliant things for wellbeing across Dorset. Places are limited: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-network-conference-2026
Happy May Day! 🌿 Dorset storyteller Martin Maudsley reflects on May Days past, present and future. Have a listen and share your own memories. https://dorset-nl.org.uk/talking-tent-lets-talk-about-spring #MayDay #Dorset
New on All Ways Out: Valley of Stones 🪨 Big skies, chalk grassland, and a trail of sarsen boulders dropped here in the last Ice Age, plus a rare 5,000-year-old polishing stone. Plan your walk 👇 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/all_ways_out/step-out-and-explore/
Love walking in West Dorset? 🚌 We're looking for volunteers to test our Bus Stop Walks, short scenic routes that start and finish at local bus stops. Travel expenses covered. Sign up here: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/test-west-dorset-bus-stop-walks #DorsetWalks #BusStopWalks
Coast Path Connectors offer regular wellbeing walks with a Nature Buddy. It's a gentle way to get outdoors, enjoy the coast, and connect with others in Dorset 🌊 You can join a walk here 👇 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-activities #NatureBuddies #SouthWestCoastPath
Nature Calling has wrapped. In #Dorset, over 200 people created the Consequences Giant, seen by 27,000 in person and 46,000 online. Across the programme: 8,258 participants, 55,000+ live audience. The final film is out today on the National Landscape Association's socials!
On #NationalSocialPrescribingDay, we’re celebrating the simple things that can lift wellbeing - fresh air, gentle movement, and friendly company. If you’d like to spend more time outdoors, our Nature Buddies Activity Finder can help: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-activities/
Spring’s here… and it’s birdwatching “busy season” 🪶 Join Emily (Nature Buddy, BARI) for a gentle beginner-friendly birdwatching walk at Upton Country Park by Holes Bay. Self-referrals welcome, accessible route: https://dorset-nl.org.uk/upton-country-park-introduction-to-bird-watching
Wherever you are, All Ways Out brings Dorset’s landscapes to you! Enjoy stories, creative activities, and immersive experiences - at home or on the go. Ready to feel connected? Explore and be inspired by nature today 🌳 www.allwaysout.org
Stand on the ramparts at Maiden Castle and you’re stepping into one of Europe’s biggest Iron Age hillforts, right on the edge of Dorchester. Vast earthworks, sweeping views, and an ancient landscape that still holds its stories 🪨 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/location/maiden_castle/ #Dorchester
Last week, the Dorset National Landscape team swapped the office for muddy boots… helping plant a new traditional community orchard on a FiPL‑funded project 🍎🍐🍒 Big thanks to Victor Crutchley at Crutchley Farms for welcoming us. Great teamwork and rare winter sunshine! #FiPL #TreePlanting
We’re pleased to welcome Waggy Walks as a new Nature Buddies activity 🐶 Gentle group walks in Weymouth & Portland - fresh air, friendly company, and a few well‑behaved dogs. Self and professional referrals welcome 👇 https://dorset-nl.org.uk/nature-buddies-activities/