The Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is one of a family of protected landscapes in the UK, working to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of almost half of Dorset's countryside.
Rather than just one beautiful landscape to shout about, the Dorset AONB is a collection of beautiful landscapes - each with different histories, ways of working and stories to tell.
Discover Durlston Country Park
Durlston Country Park & National Nature Reserve, near Swanage, have just published their programme of events for the summer - full of walks talks and activities for all ages and interests.
Try your hand at wild weaving, dip into Durlston Dog Day or enjoy the many exhibitions - all with the fabulous Jurassic Coast as a backdrop. Download the programme or vist the Durlston website
Image: thanks to Mary Dorey for view from Durlston towards Swanage
Dorset AONB winners at South West Tourism Awards
Dorset AONB’s contribution to tourism in the South West was recognised last week (Thursday 1 February) at the South West Tourism Awards 2017/18 when a special ‘Outstanding contribution to Tourism Award’ was given to the region’s protected landscapes (including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks, the Jurassic Coast and the Southwest Coastpath).
Volunteers wanted to walk, cycle or just enjoy the view!
Volunteers wanted to test out walks, rides and great views in the Dorset AONB! If you can spare a few hours and tell us what you think, we'll enter you into a special Hamper of the Month draw as a thank you
New funding available for landscape enhancement
A fund totalling £1.7 million has been made available to help enhance the landscape around Wytch Farm oilfield in Purbeck. Officially launched on 18th January, the Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement Fund is now open for applications from individuals, groups and organisations.
Funding for Projects that Connect Older People with Nature
Thinking of starting a local project to help older people in Dorset get active outdoors?
Local communities can now apply for funding for initiatives that will enhance health and wellbeing for older people, including those with dementia and their carers by helping them spend more time outdoors.
Second on our tour across the South Dorset Ridgeway doing our #villagesurveys is Askerwell on Thursday 15th March.
Starting at 10.30 at Askerwell Village Hall hear all about the exciting local natural and historic environment from experts. Then we would like your help on a gentle walk around the village to survey and record these features present in Askerwell. Event free, come to either the talk, walk or both!
Free teacher training workshop on the Lumps and Bumps of the South Dorset Ridgeway!
The workshop will be held on Thursday 19th March from 16:00 - 18:00 at County Hall, Dorchester, lead by Steve Wallis.
This is Continuous Professional Development, open to teachers and support staff.
Come along and join us if you would like to try your hand at the traditional craft of dry stone walling. Working alongside experienced volunteers from our partner organisations EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, you can find out if this is the thing for you - but be warned it is a bit addictive!
We are on site from 10am until 3.30pm each day and all tools and protective equipment are provided - you should be aware that the location is quite remote and there are no facilities!
You can read more about another section of wall completed recently on the Ridgeway here: Dorset Echo - Mammoth dry stone walling effort - so if you want to join in and have a go, do get in touch.
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
You can see photos of our events here: Land of Bone & Stone on Flickr
Come along and join us if you would like to try your hand at the traditional craft of dry stone walling. Working alongside experienced volunteers from our partner organisations EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, you can find out if this is the thing for you - but be warned it is a bit addictive!
We are on site from 10am until 3.30pm each day and all tools and protective equipment are provided - you should be aware that the location is quite remote and there are no facilities!
You can read more about another section of wall completed recently on the Ridgeway here: Dorset Echo - Mammoth dry stone walling effort - so if you want to join in and have a go, do get in touch.
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
You can see photos of our events here: Land of Bone & Stone on Flickr
Come and learn how to identify some of our common mosses - it might seem impossible, but the incomparable Bryan Edwards, our local expert of national standing, will guide us on a magical mystery tour of the mosses in our midst - and if you've ever looked at one through a hand lens, you'll know it's worth coming just for that!
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
Come and learn how to identify the common species that make up these traditional landscape features which provide such a haven for wildlife (and humans!).
No experience or prior knowledge required - just an enquiring mind!
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
Come and join us to try your hand at the traditional craft of dry stone walling. Working alongside experienced volunteers from our partner organisations EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, you can find out if this is the thing for you - but be warned it is a bit addictive!
We are on site near Upwey from 10am until 4pm each day and all tools and protective equipment are provided - you should be aware that the location is quite remote and there are no facilities!
You can read more about another section of wall completed recently on the Ridgeway here: Dorset Echo - Mammoth dry stone walling effort - so if you want to join in and have a go, do get in touch.
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
You can see photos of our events here: Land of Bone & Stone on Flickr
Come and join us to try your hand at the traditional craft of dry stone walling. Working alongside experienced volunteers from our partner organisations EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, you can find out if this is the thing for you - but be warned it is a bit addictive!
We are on site near Upwey from 10am until 4pm each day and all tools and protective equipment are provided - you should be aware that the location is quite remote and there are no facilities!
You can read more about another section of wall completed recently on the Ridgeway here: Dorset Echo - Mammoth dry stone walling effort - so if you want to join in and have a go, do get in touch.
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
You can see photos of our events here: Land of Bone & Stone on Flickr
Come and join us to try your hand at the traditional craft of dry stone walling. Working alongside experienced volunteers from our partner organisations EuCAN and the Dry Stone Walling Association, you can find out if this is the thing for you - but be warned it is a bit addictive!
We are on site near Upwey from 10am until 4pm each day and all tools and protective equipment are provided - you should be aware that the location is quite remote and there are no facilities!
You can read more about another section of wall completed recently on the Ridgeway here: Dorset Echo - Mammoth dry stone walling effort - so if you want to join in and have a go, do get in touch.
There is no charge but places are limited and booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Hearing for further information:
Email: j.hearing@dorsetcc.gov.uk or phone: 01305 228273
You can see photos of our events here: Land of Bone & Stone on Flickr
