About the project

The Flavours project is all about finding ways for people from ethnic minority and refugee backgrounds living in Dorset, to explore and discover a range of farms and open spaces within their local landscapes.

Flavours is helping build confidence to connect to nature in Dorset and to share food and drink in all its glorious expressions. From picnics, shared lunches and recipe swaps, to baking and cooking together, sharing food stories and traditions – food is central to all our activities!

International Care Network visit Middlebere Farm

The story so far ...

We were excited to get the Flavours project up and running in 2023 with 5 visits to the countryside in the autumn, enjoying the wildlife, stunning views and finding more out about farming. In September 2023, the Inside Out Dorset Festival brought a diverse range of artists to Dorset, sharing stories of food and countryside. During 2024 and 2025 we’ve had some wonderful countryside trips with 8 diverse community groups. We welcomed over 700 to the countryside and have attended some wonderful community events in return.

Launceston Farm

Alice and Tash from Grace the Space created a joyful day out at Launceston Farm, near Blandford for an inspiring group of women. A beautiful walk with Cath the farmer showed us pigs, cows, butterflies and blackberries. Then we made bread from the flour they produce. After a vegan lunch came fun and movement outdoors with Tash.

Ukraine Community visit Middlebere Farm

Chrissy and Jake Hancock welcomed a group of Ukraine women and children to their organic farm near Arne. A trailer ride through idyllic countryside introduced us to their cows and how they look after wildlife. A picnic of local meats and cheeses from The Salt Pig overlooking the shores of Poole Harbour wrapped up a great day.

International Care Network visit Middlebere Farm

Grace the Space welcomed a group of women with ICN Bournemouth to Middlebere Farm on the edge of Poole Harbour. After a trailer ride through the farm to look at how the cows are farmed and to hear about wildlife, there was time for a stretch and a delicious lunch!

Jurassic Multicultural visit Tamarisk Farm

Families from the Jurassic Multicultural Network visited Tamarisk Farm at West Bexington near Bridport. As well as a walk round the farm, they were able to see how grain is processed into flour. A delicious lunch was a great opportunity to relax, eat and chat. We hope to have a follow up baking day to share favourite bread recipes, just looking for a suitable kitchen!

Inside Out Dorset Festival 2023

The South Asian dance company Akademi were among the creative extravaganza to roll up at Wild Woodbury for the Inside Out Dorset festival. The Wildlife Trust site at Bere Regis formed a peaceful backdrop for stories, performances and installations exploring nature, climate change, landscape and local food.

Ukraine families visit Durlston Country Park © Dorset National Landscape

Ukraine Community visit Durlston Country Park

Ukraine families were so taken by the trip to Middlebere Farm that they planned a second visit with Anastasia Pikalova, this time to Durlston Country Park near Swanage. Rangers showed them some of the highlights of the area and they made use of the Learning Centre for a picnic lunch. Great views, lots of fun and plenty of fresh air!

Flavours at Rang Barse – Colours Over Corfe Castle

Flavours was proud to attend Rang Barse at Corfe Castle – the first-ever Holi celebration hosted by BCP Indian Community and the National Trust. This joyful Festival of Colours welcomed spring with vibrant energy, Bollywood music, and shared community spirit.

We joined in the colour throwing, explored cultural stalls, danced and enjoyed authentic Indian cuisine. Thank you to all who made it unforgettable. Flavours celebrates multicultural connection, and Rang Barse was a beautiful expression of it.

Unity in Vision visit Thorncombe Woods

Laughter rang through Thorncombe Woods as families from Bournemouth and Weymouth – part of the Unity in Vision group, gathered for a joyful day of connection and play.

From hide and seek to shared stories, the walk celebrated nature and togetherness. A vibrant Flavours picnic, lovingly prepared by families, reflected unity, trust, and Dorset’s rich cultural diversity.

Grace the Space visit Durlston Country Park

We stepped into nature at Durlston Country Park always a favourite venue, rain or shine – for a day of connection, calm, and coast.

Facilitated by Grace the Space, the walk offered space to breathe, reflect, and share affirming conversations. Food, scenic views, and colourful rain capes lifted spirits, and many left inspired to return with family, friends, and children.

Unity in Vision visit Kingston Maurward

A Day to Remember at Kingston Maurward College and a sunny celebration with the Unity in Vision community. The day was filled with nature, culture and connection. From vibrant gardens and a tranquil lake to a charming animal park, offering joyful picnic moments and shared discoveries. It was an uplifting blend of unity, seasonal beauty, and inclusive outdoor fun for all the families sharing the day with us.

Grace the Space visit Upton Country Park

Despite the downpours, the morning at Upton Country Park blossomed with laughter and connection. Between showers, park ranger Jennie led a woodland bug hunt, complete with a surprise newt! Followed by joyful movement sessions with Alice, Tash from Grace the Space and Sue and Anastasia from the Flavours team.

Rain sparked warmth, bringing strangers together through shared journeys, common language, and unexpected moments of nature, fun, and friendship on the bus journey.

Arts By the Sea Bournemouth

A vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and connection! We showcased the Flavours project with our joyful BPC Indian Community partners, sparking rich conversations around food, landscape, and heritage.

From dazzling exhibitions to the unforgettable Torchlight procession, the day united diverse voices and left a lasting impression, proving that art truly brings people together. We’re excited for what’s next!

BPC Indian Community visit Durlston Country Park

We had brilliant day at Durlston Country Park with the BPC Indian Community, led by the ever-inventive animateur Lorna Rees. Families tuned into the earth using geophones, shared stories, and took part in inclusive, hands-on activities. It was a joyful celebration of nature, sound, community, bringing generations together in creativity, curiosity, connection. In the Flavours tradition, we gathered for a shared lunch, bringing dishes, laughter, and stories to the table.

International Care Network visit Upton Country Park

In collaboration with Grace the Space, this Flavours visit offered a joyful escape into nature. Despite language barriers, peer translation supported smooth communication. Lunch was a highlight, shared with warmth and conversation. Children played freely, bringing visible joy to their mums. Creative activities fostered connection and laughter, and group organiser Sarah Joy from the International Care Network noted the women’s happiness and many uplifting moments amidst complex challenges of trauma, immigration, and daily life in the UK.

Nigerian Community visit Durlston Country Park

Back for another sunshine filled day at Durlston Country Park, this time with a group from the Nigerian Community in Dorset, who brought a vibrant energy and uplifted the day with warmth, humour and music during the activities and over lunch. Highlights included music, food, laughter, and heartfelt appreciation for the landscape, atmosphere, and each other. Words like “love,” “fun,” and “relaxing” captured the day’s joy, in an uplifting celebration of connection, culture, and getting closer to nature.

Brazilian Community visit Upton Country Park

A Brazilian Saturday School from Bournemouth brought curiosity and creativity to Upton Country Park for Flavours’ first child-focused nature outing- a unique experience for the team.

Led by Grace the Space, the day began with a bug hunt and lively chats about insects in Brazil. Children explored woodland shapes and colours, crafting nature mandalas and charcoal tree drawings. Their artwork was proudly displayed, capturing a joyful blend of discovery, cultural exchange, and imaginative natural play.

The story continues...

With Flavours 2025 officially underway, we’re bringing fresh energy, new collaborations, and plenty of ‘wow, I didn’t expect that!’ moments in nature across Dorset. From heritage sites and SSSIs to coast and countryside, each visit offers a chance to connect, share, and spark something meaningful. Whether it’s landscape, food, or conversation, Flavours continues to grow with heart and purpose, celebrating community, culture, and the richness of place.

Brazilan Community to Durlston Country Park

Return visits to this wonderful location continue to inspire – welcoming our communities back to wild clifftops, rich landscapes, and soul-stirring views. A firm favourite for connection, reflection, and discovery.

We kicked off 2025 with a Spring visit by the Brazilian Educational and Cultural Centre (BREACC)- led by Grace The Space and the Flavours Team to Durlston.

Children, teachers and parents had a fantastic day out at packed with activities, art and crafts, exploring the woodland and coastal walks and making the most of the natural Adventure Playground – where climbing, balancing, and group games kept everyone energized.

An unforgettable spring day for all.

Ukraine Community to Upton Country Park

We hosted a joyful day at Upton Country Park with families from the Ukrainian community, facilitated by Grace the Space.

The event was filled with creativity and connection, featuring craft activities, nature walks, games, and a shared picnic in the sunshine. It was a heart warming celebration of togetherness, where lasting memories were made in a welcoming, inclusive space.

International Care Network to Durlston Country Park

Summer saw us back at Durlston where the Flavours team, in collaboration with Grace the Space, welcomed participants from the International Care Network (ICN) to this lovely location.

ICN supports refugees and migrants from all faiths and backgrounds as they rebuild their lives in the UK.

The visit offered a gentle day of nature walks, creative activities, a shared lunch and connection. The atmosphere was warm, inclusive, and was deeply appreciated by the all.

BPC Indian Community to Blue Pool

Our next summer trip saw us hosting a nature-filled day and picnic with the BCP Indian Community at the Blue Pool. A beautiful addition to the Flavours location portfolio-offering a fresh perspective and special experience for many.

Scenic walks, playful activities, and heartfelt connection made the day unforgettable. As one participant shared, “We came as strangers, we leave as friends”—a joyful celebration of freedom, friendship, and togetherness.

Grace the Space to Durlston Country Park

August saw the Flavours Project partnered with Grace the Space for a women’s Wild Creativity event at Durlston Country Park.

The day offered time in nature, creative expression, and connection. Participants described feeling “free,” “relaxed,” and grateful for “time for me.”

Delicious food, shared laughter, and meaningful conversations made the experience truly special. It was a joyful celebration of wellbeing, reflection, and community in a stunning natural setting.

Nigerian Community to Blue Pool

The Nigerian Community in Dorset joined us and Grace the Space for the joyful finale of our 2025 Flavours visits.

Blue Pool provided the perfect setting for this energetic group’s love of nature and exploration.

The day blended new experiences, playful moments for children, a delicious picnic, and the thrill of crossing the UK’s longest rope bridge. Laughter, connection, and adventure filled the air.

Here’s to more shared journeys and the magic of nature-inspired togetherness!

If you would like to find out more or get involved in some activities we would love to hear from you! Please contact:

Caroline (Caz) Richards, Dorset Food & Drink, hello@dorsetfoodanddrink.org, 01305 224717
Sue Dampney, Dorset National Landscape, sue.dampney@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or 01305 228242

The vital ingredient for this project is an enthusiastic partnership between the Dorset National Landscape team, Dorset Race Equality Council, Dorset Food & Drink and Activate Performing Arts, with support from the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We are also grateful for the support on our Steering Group from Anjali Mavi (BPC Indian Community) & Anastasia Pikalova (Dorset Ukraine Community).

FLAVOURS is made possible with
The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to welcome more culturally diverse people to the Dorset National Landscape.

FLAVOURS project partners:

With financial support from: