Dawn to Dusk Events 2022

Inspired by the Green Space Dark Skies event in Dorset, we’ve pulled together a programme of events to celebrate and explore the outstanding landscapes of Dorset at Dawn and Dusk … and sometimes the hours between!

See Dorset in a new light as we head out to enjoy our outstanding landscapes from early morning through to the ‘golden hours’ of summer evenings. Join artists, story-tellers, wildlife experts, archaeologists and more on our summer programme of FREE events across the Dorset AONB.

We have programmed the events in evenings and weekends to fit around work or school and many are accessible by public transport.

The programme includes:

Watch the sun rise and set: Celebrate the summer solstice with Dawn at the Stones, led by the effervescent artist Lorna Rees. Or join our shadows sketching walk with Your Seasons of Stories artists Sarah Jane Ross and Ilse Black at Maiden Castle as the sun drops.

Slow down and see wildlife and landscape close up: Join us on a slow walk in nature where you will tune into your senses, slow down, and enjoy what seasonal wildlife has to offer. We’ll rest up in the meadows at Kingcombe National Nature Reserve, Milldown local nature reserve (Blandford) and slow-explore the river wildlife in Dorchester. Or look at the Jurassic Coast with fresh eyes with a unique watercolour workshop for all ages!

See Dorset’s Iron Age hillforts in a new light: Archaeologist Steve Wallis takes us on a hike to Hambledon and Hod Hills and a stroll round Maiden Castle to uncover the rich history of these sites, with fantastic views guaranteed! And Steve also leads a sunset walk on Eggardon Hill to round up our programme. Or follow storyteller Martin Maudsley to hear the myths and legends of the hillforts and ancient sites of the South Dorset Ridgeway.

Night time wildlife and constellations: Join wildlife experts and explore the nightime wildlife of Black Down and Studland, hoping to hear Nightjars, see bats and spot glow worms. Or hear from dark skies expert Bob Mizon and take a closer look the starry skies above Durlston with special telescopes.

You can find more details of all the Dawn to Dusk below, all events are free but booking is essential.

We would like to thank all our partners for supporting these events: Dorset Countryside, Dorset Council, Dorset Wildlife Trust, National Trust, English Heritage, Durlston Country Park and Wessex Astronomical Association.