This month marks the 10th anniversary of Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre.
Nestled in Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester, the centre has welcomed over half a million visitors since first opening its doors a decade ago, providing a gateway to the area’s rich wildlife and heritage.
Built in 2015 with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and a partnership between Dorset Council and the National Trust, the centre boasts convenient parking, well-surfaced paths, excellent facilities, and insightful interpretations. It serves as the perfect starting point for exploring Thorncombe Wood and Hardy’s Cottage.
Thorncombe Wood is a designated Local Nature Reserve spanning 26 hectares, acquired by Dorset County Council in 1968. Home to ancient woodland, heathland, and a scheduled ancient monument, the reserve is recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI).
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Climate, said:
“It’s great to celebrate 10 years of the Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre; the centre and surrounding nature reserve not only connect us to the rich literary heritage of Thomas Hardy but also play an important role in our efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment.
“Our country parks and nature sites are vital in our response to the nature emergency, providing essential sanctuaries for wildlife in our county. I’d like to thank the rangers and volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to managing these special sites.”
The woodlands and surrounding areas are known to have been a source of inspiration for the renowned author Thomas Hardy. Visitors can still immerse themselves in the landscapes that influenced his novels and poetry, from the serene Rushy Pond to the enchanting ‘dips and hollows’ known locally as swallet holes.
The reserve is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, where visitors can spot Nightjars, Spotted Flycatchers and resident Marsh Tits, as well as various reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. Soon, the bluebells will be in full bloom, creating a carpet of blue across the woodland floor.
This magical pocket of woodland and heath is managed with the help of dedicated volunteers who support the council rangers and help enhance the visitor experience.
Claire Platten, Dorset Council’s Senior Ranger (Site Manager) at Thorncombe Wood, expressed her gratitude, saying:
“Without our volunteer helpers over the years, this wonderful location would have been very hard to manage. We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed to making it such a fantastic place to visit.”
Volunteers also play a crucial role at Hardy’s Cottage, owned by the National Trust. The cottage, where Hardy grew up with his family, now offers guided tours led by volunteers who bring the property’s history to life and help maintain the gardens.
Rachael White, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager at the National Trust, said:
“Hardy’s Birthplace Visitor Centre is a huge asset to the visitor experience at Hardy’s Cottage, providing excellent facilities for visitors including accessible toilets, tramper hire and an independent family-run café and shop.
“We are very grateful to all the volunteers who helped set up the facility, with special thanks to our local volunteer supporter group, the National Trust South Dorset Association, who raised funds for the build.”
To find out more about Hardy’s Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood, visit the Dorset Council website.
