Fun will be on offer this half term when a new nature trail opens.
The new trail in Thorncombe Woods, near Dorchester, is less than a mile-long and is suitable for off-road mobility scooters. Free trail guides are available.
The trail has been inspired by the best-selling picture book ‘The Lost Words’. The book, by Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris, celebrates words like ‘acorn, wren and dandelion’ which were left out of the Oxford Junior Dictionary.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for, Environment, Transport and Highways, said: “This trail has been designed to encourage people of all ages to get outside and enjoy nature. I am delighted it will be open for half term and hope families will enjoy exploring it.”
Funding for the trail has come from the Dorset AONB’s ‘Stepping into Nature’ project which encourages people to connect with nature to improve their health and wellbeing.
The trail will be open from October half term until the end of February 2020. It is a new updated version of a trail which was open last winter.
Story telling event – 28 October
Well-known local story teller Martin Maudsley will lead a ‘Lost Words’ story walk to celebrate the new trail on Monday. (28/10)
The walk will feature folk tales, myths and legends that celebrate Dorset plants and animals. Places are limited and need to be booked in advance by emailing: [email protected]
The trail is in Thorncombe Wood and leaflets will be available from Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre, which is run by Dorset Council. Off road mobility scooters can also be hired from the centre, to reserve one please call 01305 224620. More information about accessing the countryside is available here.
