About Stepping into Nature

Have you ever had that feeling of just wanting to get out in the fresh air, have a change of scenery or do something different?

Our beautiful Dorset landscape is full of opportunities to enjoy nature in fun, social and creative ways.

For some of us though, finding opportunities to enjoy nature that suits our needs are harder to come by. Ability, confidence, and age can all influence what we can and can’t do. The Stepping into Nature project is about listening to our community in Dorset and working in partnership to enable everyone to enjoy nature.

Looking for things to do?

Taking inspiration from our popular community events in Dorset called ‘Picnic in the Parks’, you can now explore lots of ideas and activities to enjoy our beautiful Dorset from home.

Explore the online park

How has Stepping into Nature helped our community in Dorset?

The focus 2016-2023 has been on supporting our older adults, people living with dementia and care partners enjoy nature, thanks to National Lottery Community Funding.

Through the partnership, the project helped the environment sector understand more about dementia and ran sociable, sensory and nature inspired activities. Communities in Dorset received grants to improve local opportunities to enjoy nature and nature was bought into our homes through the creation of seasonal books, captivating stories, and artistic packs.

Our team are now exploring further ways to help everyone enjoy nature. You can read more about this here.

“No one needs to be lonely or bored, particularly with help like yours about.”

- Activity Attendee

Stepping into Nature News

ND Trailway Views (c) Tony Rains

Increasing educational access to farms

We have partnered with LEAF Education to offer 12 individuals working on farms in the Dorset National Landscape a fully funded place to undertake the Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS), benefit from 1:1 support and receive payment for their first hosted visit. The training took place in early 2024 and now those farms are setting up their farms to host people. If you’re looking to bring a group to a farm in the Dorset National Landscape then get in touch.

Stepping into Nature stories

You and your team really made a difference and my life is better for the experience.

- Alan, art activity participant

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you, contact us via Stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call the Project Coordinators

Jules 01305 224785

Looking for our reports?

Find useful Stepping into Nature evaluation guides and reports in our resource library >

Would you like to hear about our resources and future plans ?

Our mission is to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy nature in Dorset. We’ve run activities and conferences, created walking guides and creativity boxes. To keep up to date on our latest projects then sign up to the monthly email newsletter.

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