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

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.

Grant funding available

Community Access Fund

Funding available for capital access projects and activity sessions that make the landscape more accessible and inclusive.

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.

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.

Connecting with nature

Nature Buddies Network

A coordinated network of volunteer Nature Buddies who help people overcome barriers to enjoy nature.

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.

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!