Woodland Wellbeing Walks

A magical woodland pocket

Thorncombe Woods is hidden away, just 5 minutes from the town of Dorchester. The mixed woodland is famed for inspiring the young poet and novelist Thomas Hardy, who was born here and would often wander the wood, visiting places like 'Black Heath' and 'Rushy Pond'.

Watch Winter Walk 1

Highlights: bark, moss, deer prints, peaceful ponies

Watch Winter Walk 2

Highlights: Rushy pond, ponies, newts, trees

Watch Winter Walk 3

Highlights: looking for signs of Spring

Watch Winter Walk 4

Highlights: Rain droplets, Ivy berries, ponies, frozen ponds, pixie cups

Watch Winter Walk 5

Highlights: Matchstick lichen, wild honeysuckle,, bluebells, wild garlic and celandines!

Want to enjoy more from Thorncombe Woods?

Thorncombe Woods walking guides

Enjoy walking around Thorncombe Woods with these guides showing a selection of routes to explore around the landscape that Thomas Hardy grew up in and was inspired by.

More videos from the team

The Rangers at Thorncombe Woods have been busy throughout the year and have loads of videos which you can enjoy from all the seasons. See them all on their Facebook page.

Get Closer to Nature

Nature Buddies

Boost your wellbeing through nature with a Nature Buddy. A Nature Buddy is a friendly, specially trained volunteer who can support…

Explore from Home

Bus Stop Walks

Enjoy Dorset on foot with this series of walks starting from bus stops along the Jurassic Coast.

Get Active

Naturally beautiful places

Highlighting some of the most beautiful locations in Dorset through film.

Explore from Home

Virtual Nightjar Walk

Walk on the heaths. Nightjars are nocturnal birds that are easily recognisable by their distinctive song.  Join Urban Heaths Partnership warden…

Noticing Nature

Art, stories and poetry

Feeling inspired, the project’s storyteller, poet and artists created their own work reflecting nature and seasons to share.

Creative Activities

Dorset’s Wildlife Webcams

   

Noticing Nature

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