As Summer turns to Autumn, don’t be sad for the end of lazy beach days and picnics – there’s still lots to enjoy about the Dorset countryside!

This is a great time of year to make friends with trees – the sights and sounds woodland and hedgerows will satisfy your senses all day long. Look out for the changing colours of the leaves and notice which species make the best autumnal show. Keep your eyes peeled for blackberries and watch how birds feast on these too. And what other berries can you see? The hedgerow hawthorns make for a colourful autumn with their plentiful red berries while the blueish purple of the blackthorn trees add colour (and the vital ingredient for sloe gin!).

Have a look at our suggestions below for good places to explore to see the seasons change to autumn.

Or there’s lots of ways to enjoy autumn from the comfort of your own home – have a look on our All Ways Out pages for inspiration