The Dorset National Landscape is beautiful but people make it outstanding. Our mission is to protect and regenerate this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And to make sure everyone can enjoy it. Find out more about our work.

Latest News

man and woman walking side by side in a park past a large tree.

Event

Nature Buddies Network Conference

Bookings are now open for our Nature Buddies Network conference on 10th June at Kingston Maurward. A day of celebration, looking ahead, talks and taster sessions for anyone involved or…

Volunteers, News

Volunteers wanted to test West Dorset Bus Stop walks

Do you love walking and exploring Dorset, especially without relying on a car? We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help us test our West Dorset Bus Stop Walks: short, scenic…

Access

Wareham Two Rivers Route Accessibility Improvements

A section of the Wareham Two Rivers Route has recently undergone significant improvements, delivered through Dorset National Landscape’s Access for All funding in partnership with Dorset Council.

Writing

Postcards from the Future poem

A new poem for the Dorset National Landscape written by Louisa Adjoa Parker reflecting what people value about this landscape and their hopes and fears for its future.

All Ways Out

We are delighted to announce the launch of All Ways Out, the refreshed and reimagined version of our much loved Picnic in the Parks platform.

Green hillside with chalk Giant on right hand side and colourful artwork of new giant on left

Creative landscapes

Nature Calling Dorset film celebrates wonderful project

New film captures the magic of the Nature Calling project which created a brand new Giant for Dorset.

Help keep Dorset delicious, one small and brilliant purchase at a time

Every pound you spend with our local makers, farmers and independent businesses stays right here in Dorset.

Three people standing in front of colourful display and holding a bird shaped trophy

Dorset arts organisation receives prestigious National Landscapes Association award

Activate Performing Arts receives Bowland Award 2025 in recognition of outstanding work connecting people to landscape.

Two women enjoy a take away drink with the beach cafe and shingle beach in the background.

Volunteer

Celebrating Befriending Week

Celebrate the Power of Social Connection this Befriending Week (1-7 November) with Nature Buddies.

Two ladies in a greenhouse gardening side by side

Connecting with nature

Nature Buddies Network

Boost your wellbeing through nature with a Nature Buddy

View over the Brit Valley in summer taken by Rosie Mathisen

Working with farmers

Farming and Forestry

Supporting farming and landowners to maximise benefits for wildlife and landscape, including Farming in Protected Landscapes programme

Outstanding landscapes

Landscape Planning and Assessment

Providing guidelines for landscape planning and management regarding the character and condition of the National Landscape.

Connecting people to place

Tourism and Visitor Management

Find out what we do to help local people and visitors explore, understand and engage with the landscape.

A Talk by Geologist Sam Scriven , Events

Unseen & Underground – Why Our Geological Heritage Matters

Thursday 30th Apr 26 19:00

Two older women sit in chairs enjoying a coffee together in the outdoors at sunset.

Bookings are now open for the Nature Buddies Network Conference.

Nature Buddies Network Conference

Kingston Maurward Conference Centre, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, UK

Wednesday 10th Jun 26 09:30 - 14:30

Nature Buddies Network Conference

Kingston Maurward Conference Centre, Kingston Maurward, Dorchester, UK

Wednesday 10th Jun 26 09:30, 14:30

A day of celebration, looking ahead, talks and taster sessions for anyone involved or keen to find out more about the Nature Buddies scheme. This is a free event.

Summer 2026, Events

Dorset Food and Arts Festival 2026

The Great Field Poundbury, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, UK

Saturday 1st Aug 26 to Saturday 1st Aug 26 10:00 - 16:00

Dorset Food and Arts Festival 2026

The Great Field Poundbury, Peverell Avenue East, Poundbury, Dorchester, UK

Saturday 1st Aug 26 10:00, 16:00

The Dorset Food and Arts Festival is back on the menu, and ready to champion the best of Dorset and showcase a great line up of local food, drink, art, craft, and community talent. Join us on Saturday 2 August from 10 - 4 on the Great Field in Poundbury, as we bring together a FREE mini ‘pop-up’ festival market! It’s the perfect opportunity to shop for a wide selection of delicious products and artisan crafts. Grab a bite to eat and enjoy a tipple as you shop with local stallholders, producers, and makers – offering tasty food and drink, handmade gifts, art, and beautiful crafts. The icing on the cake is that when you shop at events like this, you get to MEET the amazing people who make, bake, farm, grow, cook, preserve, pickle, and serve you with all this local loveliness – many of them award-winning! Pop the date in your diary and please mark yourself as ‘Attending’ on the Facebook Event Page and see our stallholder line up! This way our lovely stallholders will be able to bring enough goodies to keep you going and minimise wastage. We can’t wait to see you on Saturday the 2nd of August! It’s our pleasure to introduce our stallholders who will have been busy making baking, farming, crafting, sewing, grinding, painting, potting, carving, and cooking. Ready to serve you with food, hot drinks, local loveliness and entertain you!