Activities for happy, healthy living
Free guide
Taking part in inclusive activities creates opportunities to meet people, establish friendships and open new places to explore and enjoy.
Research shows that feeling lonely can be harmful to health. By joining a walk or sharing skills, stories and experiences together, we can enhance our lives and improve our health.
Stepping into Nature offers a variety of activities to take part in, from scenic walks and outdoor singing to gentle gardening and green woodworking!
Reconnect with Dorset’s landscape, wildlife and culture by finding an activity in this guide that suits you. Most activities are free so all you need to do is book on, turn up and enjoy! Walking in Nature Wellbeing Walks
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks” John Muir.
A gentle sociable walk can refresh mind, body and spirit - time to listen to our hearts and clear our minds. Get to know the best of Dorset as you are guided on popular walks and hidden gems!
No two walks are the same as colours, smells, tastes and sound evolve through the year. The paths we use are easy access and there are even options to hire all terrain mobility scooters at some sites.
“You and your team really made a difference and my life is better for the experience.” Participant feedback Wellbeing walks W
Country Park Gentle strolls along easy terrain taking you along beautiful clifftop scenery, wildflower meadows and the historic Durlston Castle.
WHERE Durlston Country Park Swanage. BH19 2JL
WHEN Various Dates CONTACT Durlston Rangers 01929 424 443
Reedbed Enjoy a gentle walk at Radipole nature reserve. A chance to relax, chat, see (and hear!) some fabulous wildlife. Walks last from 45 minutes to an hour.
WHERE RSPB Radipole Lakes, Weymouth, DT4 7TZ
WHEN Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month
CONTACT RSPB team 01305 778313 Wellbeing walks
Woodland Explore the seasonal changes taking place in a woodland nature reserve on regular 50 minute strolls on all weather terrain. WHERE Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, Dorchester, DT2 3QH
WHEN 2nd Monday & Last Wednesday of the Month
CONTACT Claire 01305 251228
Coastal Wildlife Discover and enjoy our unique coast with Dorset Wildlife Trust. Admire the wildlife of the season as you walk around Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon.
WHERE Chesil Beach Centre, Portland Road, DT4 9XE
WHEN Last Thursday of the Month (April to October)
CONTACT Chesil Team 01305 206191 Inspired to discover Discovery Activities
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust
Take a stroll in your local area and learn something new, open your eyes to history or discover words inspired by nature in poetry. Step into the past and share your stories or take a breath and sing to the sky, the choice is yours.
Our discover activities offer new ways to look at what we see every day in a way that is open to anyone, regardless of skills and will help you experience and enjoy something a little different.
“Providing these things is like providing seeds which can grow in the soil of people’s lives and help something grow and blossom that perhaps wouldn’t have been there otherwise” Participant feedback Discovery activities
Sing and Stroll, Rock and Ramble Exercise your mind, body and voice as you stroll (and stop to sing!) in and around the natural spaces of Bridport
WHERE Buckydoo Square Bridport, DT6 3NJ WHEN Every Tuesday CONTACT Peter 07817 397331
West Bay Discovery Walks West Bay is rich in history, culture, landscape and wildlife. Enjoy everything it has to offer through themed and gentle guided walks.
WHERE West Bay Discovery Centre, West Bay, DT6 4EN
WHEN Last Thursday of the Month
CONTACT West Bay Discovery Team 01308 427288 Discovery activities
Poetry Connect your creative thinking to the natural environment through readings, discussion, and easy creative writing exercises in response to the landscape.
WHERE Various Locations
WHEN Various Dates
CONTACT Sarah at [email protected]
Dorset History Walks Explore the history of place, looking at features of interest and using historic photographs to see what has, and hasn’t changed over the past century or so.
WHERE Various Locations
WHEN 2nd Wednesday of the month
CONTACT Steph 01305 224788 Growing together Getting Hands On
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin
Be inspired by nature to get creative and try something new, both indoors and out.
Continue learning through life refreshing or picking up new knowledge and skills in art, history, woodworking and gardening. It’s not all about listening, but giving it a go and seeing what can be achieved.
The variety of tasks are endless, from singing to the sea and playing music to rural crafting and investigating the past. There is no pressure to be ‘skilled’, its all about having fun and trying something new!
“I found it very therapeutic, if music be the food of love, play on” Participant feedback Getting hands on
Greenwood Club Continue learning through life by picking up skills in green woodworking, rural crafts and cooking outdoors … all in a relaxing woodland environment.
WHERE Thorncombe Woods, Dorchester, DT2 8QH. Holten Lee, Poole BH16 6JN
WHEN Weekly
CONTACT Jill 07813814875 [email protected]
Gardening for Wellbeing Get green fingered with Dorset Wildlife Trust. A large greenhouse and many planting beds mean there’s plenty to do for all. WHERE Greengage Nursery, Prospect Crescent, Swanage.
WHEN Every Friday
CONTACT Katie 01202 692 033 [email protected] Getting hands on
Inspired by Archives Explore the nature in our archives, using landscape photos, art, recordings and maps to unlock nature’s stories past, present and future.
WHERE Dorset History Centre, Dorchester DT11RP
WHEN 1st and 3rd Monday of the month
CONTACT Maria 01305 228947 [email protected]
Art for Wellbeing Relaxed activities using nature as a starting point. Includes crafting pots, sea singing, large-scale paintings and playing instruments
WHERE Various Locations
WHEN Various Dates
CONTACT Jo 01305 228 528 Being close to nature can help boost your health, mood and build self-esteem. In short, it can make you feel better and put a smile on your face too!
Stepping into Nature opens Dorset’s beautiful landscape, wildlife and culture, helping people live healthier and happier lives for longer.
Discover new places, learn new skills and meet new people. All our activities are dementia friendly and will help you take that first step into nature.
For more information please call us on 01305 224 785 or visit stepin2nature.org
IMAGES: Paul Mitchell, Michael Brown, Mark Heighes, Nicki Maslen, Kei Little, Claire Platten, Maria Gayton