Landscapes for Life Week 2020: YOUR national landscapes!
Explore the nationally important landscapes on your doorstep – we’ve got some great ideas of places to go, things to do to enjoy the autumn.
Landscapes for Life Week is all about celebrating and exploring your outstanding landscapes. Throughout the week we’ve been sharing how you can make the most of Dorset’s national landscapes, we hope you’ve enjoyed our creative, healthy and tasty ideas!
Autumn is a great time to get out and about – head out to your favourite places or have a look at our online Explore Map to find some new favourite places to get to know. Here’s some ideas of places to go, things to do …
Take it easy
If walking isn’t an easy option for you, Durlston Country Park has 2 Trampers to hire and lots of level paths so you can explore the newly renovated Pleasure Ground as well as the meadows, clifftop paths and woodland. Congratulations to the Durlston team for winning their Gold Award from VisitEngland for their accessible and inclusive welcome. Other sites with level walking include Langdon Hill (not as hilly as it sounds!), the North Dorset Trailway and Black Down.
Places with space
Being out and about will lift your spirits but being able to keep a distance from others is important too. Great for space are Stonebarrow, Kingcombe and Hilfield Hill. Have a look at our online Explore Map for places around you that you may not have been to before and please Respect, Protect and Enjoy to keep everyone safe.
Feel on top of the world
It’s important to keep our spirits high during these challenging times. Head for one of Dorset’s high points for a different view on life – clear your mind, feel on top of the world! We love Lambert’s Castle and Pilsdon Pen for views across the Marshwood Vale; Eggardon Hill, Black Down and Abbotsbury hillfort with views across the Jurassic Coast and Hambledon Hill and Hod Hill for views across the Blackmoor Vale.
Head for the woods for autumn colour
Trees are great for tracking the seasons and as autumn unfolds the leaves begin to colour, crackle and fall. Take to the woods for a great sense of the season – Powerstock Common, Allington Hill and Arne are just a few of Dorset’s wonderful woods.
Through young eyes
We’d love to see the landscape through young eyes! Our Landscapes for Life photo competition is still open to Youth entries. You don’t need a camera to take great shots – mobile phone pics are very welcome. Prizes include a Kodak PixPro camera and equipment vouchers. Closing date: 1st November 2020.
'What's under your feet' walks
Artist Amanda Wallwork has a fascination for geology and how it shapes the landscapes we know and love. Her illustrated walking maps show the rock of the South Dorset Ridgeway so you can get a sense what’s beneath your feet as you go. Free maps and Field Guide to download or request.
We hope you enjoy exploring Dorset’s outstanding landscapes – so much to see and do … and beautiful whatever the weather! Please stay safe while you are out.
Looking forward to Landscapes for Life Week 2021, hoping it brings us face to face again … if you’re not already signed up to our e-news, please sign up and we’ll keep you up to date with news and events as they unfold.
Sue Dampney, Dorset AONB Team