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.

Visit

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.

Visit

Get Closer to Nature

Naturally beautiful places

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

Explore from Home

Nightjar Walks

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

Dorset Health Walks

A health walk is a free, short and regular guided walk that lasts between ten to ninety minutes for people of…

Get Active

Dorset’s Country Parks

A visit to a country park is a great value day out and they often have activities and facilities for the…

Get Active

Looking for something else? Use the map or search with the tools below.

Looking for something else? Use the menu or search with the tools below.

×