Upcoming Activities
To find out the dates and times of activities available for each month please sign up to our email newsletter. It also highlights new activities, big events and interesting information!
Greenwood Club - Woodworking, Cooking, Crafts
What?
The Greenwood Club, run by Dorset Forest Schools, aims to provide positive shared experiences/memories for those individuals living with dementia and their amazing carers or partners. The group learn green woodworking techniques, rural crafts and cooking outdoors in a relaxing woodland environment.
A typical session would include:
1. Meeting new friends and sharing yummy cake
2. Collecting wood, lighting fire for snack time)
3. Activities- there is always a choice of activities to do either independently or with carer.
4. Reflection time around fire circle or on a walk (review what’s been achieved, how the project could develop).
All activities are designed to provide small achievable steps. This allows individuals to gain a sense of achievement, which leads to increased motivation, self confidence and independence.
Check out the Netherbury Green Wood Club Video HERE
We also have taster sessions available...
When?
The Greenwood Club runs at various times and locations across Dorset.
Tuesdays: Thorncombe Woods
10.30am to 12.30pm
3rd, 17th and 31st July
Then every first Tuesday of the month from September 4th
Wednesdays: Netherbury
10.30am to 12.30pm
Coming soon - date TBC
Fridays: Holton Lee
10 am to 1pm
Every Friday
Where?
Thorncombe Woods is based on the outskirts of Dorchester. Park in Thorncombe Woods car park then walk to the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre where Claire will be ready to meet you.
Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre
Thorncombe Road
Higher Bockhampton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 8QH
Howards Woods, Netherbury is based just outside of Bridport. Jill will be ready to meet you.
Netherbury
Bridport
Dorset
DT6 5LL
United Kingdom
Holton Lee is based on the Western side of Poole. Meet Jill in the car park or by the small building to the right of the car park (near the woodland).
Livability Holton Lee
Holton Lee
East Holton
Holton Heath
Poole
Dorset
BH16 6JN
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call Jill on 07813814875 or email jill@dorsetforestschool.org for more information or to book.
Feedback..
It makes us feel human being with other people on the same journey, who know exactly how we feel.”
"When people ask what difference does the Greenwood Club make for you, there is just so much I don't even know where to begin"
Local Projects
There is some great projects and activities connecting people to nature in Dorset. Here are some directories we think would be of use and some local projects we like.
Directories
Natural Choices
My Life, My Care
Alzheimer's Society
Projects
Step Outside Allotment group at Kingston Lacy
Walking for Health
Walk For You - Weymouth & Portland
Our brand new friendly and welcoming health walk scheme started on 5th March 2018. We have 32 trained volunteer walk leaders who are ready and waiting to walk with you, and to make sure you have a great time.
Dorchester Strollers
Regular walks between 30 mins to 1 hour, finishnig off with a cup of tea/coffee.
Dorset Wildlife Trust 'Health and Wellbeing Walks at Lorton Meadows, Weymouth'
Gentle walk around the reserve, spotting wildlife and enjoying nature, while gently exercising.
Suitable for all, including those with dementia and their partners or carers
Chancery Trips
Community Transport in Bridport picking people up from their homes for a trip out for guided activities and to see beautiful places. Dates and activities scheduled monthly so contact them to find out more.
The Countrymen's Club - Future Roots
Run programmes for those aged 50+ from Rylands Farm, which is known as The Countrymen’s Club and also a separate club for their carers. Activities are tailored to the preferences of the group & needs, which can be very broad ranging and include working with animals and spending time touring the farm and discussing changes, through to picking fruit or vegetables and then cooking a meal to be shared
Wellbeing Walks at Radipole Lakes
What?
This is a relaxed, sociable and gentle monthly walk which is open to all, a health walk for healthy body and mind.
Enjoy a gentle 40 - 60 minute walk taking in about a mile in distance around our Radipole reserve in the heart of Weymouth. A great chance to make new friends or get to know your local nature reserve and find some calm in your day.
You may see fabulous wildlife on the walk, but the focus is simply a stroll and chat.
This walk is dementia friendly, and particularly suitable for anyone wishing to lose weight, recovering from illness or wanting to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
This event is FREE as it is funded by Stepping into Nature through the Big Lottery Fund.
Click here to watch a short video about these walks.
When?
Every first and third Thursday of the month, 11am to 12pm.
Where?
The walk is based around RSPB Radipole Lakes in Weymouth. Meet at the RSPB Discovery Centre cafe in Swannery Carpark (DT4 7TZ) and there will be someone ready to meet you.
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call RSPB Radipole Lakes on 01305 778313 for more information.
Have a look at their website for more details.
Woodland Walks at Thorncombe Woods
What?
Wellbeing Walks – these regular 50 min strolls, mainly on surfaced paths, explore the seasonal magic of the nature reserve while getting you more active and in contact with nature. The walks are free and open to all for a one-off walk or to attend regularly.
For those with mobility issues off road mobility scooters can be hired from the Visitor Centre as part of Countryside Mobility and refreshments are available to purchase.
Watch this VIDEO to see the site and hear Claire, who delivers the sessions, explain what to expect.
Enjoy woodworking? The Greenwood Club is now being delivered at Thorncombe Woods too! Find out more about the Greenwood Club here.
When?
2nd Monday of the Month - 10.30am*
Last Tuesday of the Month - 13.30pm * Except in August
2019
Jan - Monday, 14th 10:30
Jan - Tuesday 29th 13:30
Feb - Monday 11th 10.30
Feb - Tuesday 26th 13.30
March - Monday 11th 10.30
March - Tuesday 26th 13.30
April - Monday 8th 10.30
April - Tuesday 30th 13.30
May - Monday 13th 10.30
May - Tuesday 28th 13.30
June - Monday 10th 10.30
June - Tuesday 25th 13.30
July - Monday 8th 10.30
July - Tuesday 30th 13.30
September - Monday 9th 10.30
September - Tuesday 24th 13.30
October - Monday 14th 10.30
October - Tuesday 29th 13.30
November - Monday 11th 10.30
November - Tuesday 26th 13.30
December - Monday 9th 10.30
December - Tuesday 31st 13.30
Where?
The walks are based in Thorncombe Woods, just outside of Dorchester. Meet Claire at the Hardy's Birthplace Visitor Centre (DT2 8QH).
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call Claire on 01305 251228 for more information or to book.
Inspired by Archives at the Dorset History Centre
What?
Enjoy the countryside? Love history? Come and explore both at the Dorset History Centre. We will be enjoying pictures, maps or recordings and learning something new about the natural world and local artists.
In a small group we will work with speech, painting, writing, photography and crafts. The group is open to anyone who would like to take part including carers; those with mild to moderate dementia; those with a mobility, sensory or learning difficulty or those who would just enjoy the company and stimulation. It’s all about relaxing, meeting new people and having fun. This is an indoor activity, in a building with good access, so we won’t be affected by rain!
Previous activities included:
Purbeck tile making with Jo Amey
Summer holiday memories from Studland and ice-cream tasting!
Apples and pears- Dorset’s orchards, with tasting of varieties and making found poetry
Liz Day, a costumed story-teller will share stories from Corfe Castle
Watercolours and pouncing with Sara Hough
The only charge is £1 for a coffee and a warm welcome awaits you.
When?
1st Monday morning and 3rd Monday morning of every month (session activity repeats on 1st and 3rd).
Meet at 10.30am.
PLEASE NOTE: The 1st Monday in May 2019 is a bank holiday so the usual 1st Monday will change to the 2nd Monday (13th of May).
Where?
The sessions are based at the Dorset History Centre in the centre of Dorchester. The postcode is DT11RP.
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call Maria on 01305 228947 or email on m.gayton@dorsetcc.gov.uk for more information or to book.
Gardening for Wellbeing in Swanage with Dorset Wildlife Trust
What?
The Greengage site was once a nursery and has a large greenhouse, planting beds and even a toilet block! Dorset Wildlife Trust would welcome you to join us in various activities such as planting fruit and vegetables (horticulture), cleaning vegetation and general maintenance.The Greengage nursery is still in it's infancy so there is something for all abilities. Refreshments and tools will be provided.
Watch this short video to see the site and listen to Katie, who delivers the session, explain what to expect.
This activity is FREE as it is funded by Stepping into Nature through the Big Lottery Fund.
When?
Fridays 10am to 3pm.
* Starting up again on the 15th February 2019
Where?
The sessions are based at the Greengage Nursery in Swanage. Parking in Prospect Crescent. The Greengage Nursery is just past the green and before the allotments.
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call Katie Wilkinson at the Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01202 692 033 or email kwilkinson@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk for more information and to book.
Durlston Country Park Activities
What?
Durlston Country Park hold various dementia friendly events at Durlston Country Park. These events are free but donations are welcome
- Castle Tour - free half-hour tour of Durlston Castle with a friendly volunteer. Lifts available to all levels
- Gentle strolls - a half-hour relaxed stroll along easy terrain through the meadows
Click here for a VIDEO of what Durlston has to offer
Durlston also runs a Swanage Memory Cafe with refreshments and optional activities provided.
When?
Weds 30th Jan 14:30: Gentle Stroll
Thurs 21st Feb 11:00: Durlston Pleasure Grounds Tour
Weds 27th Feb 14:30: Castle Tour
Weds 27th March 14:30: Gentle Stroll
Thurs 11th April 11:00: Durlston Pleasure Grounds Tour
Weds 24th April 14:30: Castle Tour
Memory Café Sessions
Thursday 21st February
Thursday 18th April
Thursday 20th June
Thursday 15th August
Thursday 17th October
Please check their website www.durlston.co.uk for more information.
Where?
Durlston Country Park
Lighthouse Road
Swanage
Dorset
BH19 2JL
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call Durlston Rangers on 01929 424443 for more information about the activities and to book.
For more details on the Swanage Memory Cafe call the Alzheimers society on 01202 764352.
Coastal Activities at the Chesil Beach Centre
What?
A gentle, relaxing walk around Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, taking in the seasonal wildlife.
Over 18’s only. All abilities welcome. This walk is dementia friendly, and particularly suitable for anyone wishing to discover the outdoors, lose weight, recover from illness or wanting to improve their mental health and wellbeing.
This event is FREE as it is funded by Stepping into Nature through the Big Lottery Fund.
When?
We are taking a break over winter - but please come back in April!
From April 2019 until October 2019 sessions will be run the last Thursday of every Month 11am - 12pm
Thursday 25th April
Thursday 30th May
Thursday 27th June
Thursday 25th July
Thursday 29th August
Thursday 26th September
Thursday 31st October
Where?
Meet at the Chesil Beach Centre at 11am, Portland Beach Road, Portland DT4 9XE.
Information on how to get their, parking and facilities can be found on their website.
Sounds great! Next Step...
Call the Chesil Beach Centre on 01305 206191 to book and for more information.
Art for Wellbeing
What, When and Where?
Be introduced to the world of singing, dancing, pottery and more! Anyone can come along, but these activities are particularly suitable for older adults, people with dementia and their partners or carers.
Technicolour Everyday (Dance)
Drawing Inspiration from films of Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, come and enjoy an entertaining afternoon of ambitious playful dance!
Cranborne Village Hall
Wednesday 13th March, 2pm
Tickets £5 to include accessible transport from Winfrith Village Hall at 12:30pm return by 4.45pm.
Booking essential
Grace Lovelass Opera
Performing operatic arts and songs, accompanied by Matthew Clarke
Sunday 24th March, 2pm
Winfrith Church
Tickets £5
Tea and cakes available after the concert
Booking essential
Ninebarrow Sing and Walk
Guided walk around Arne Nature reserve with ranger and folk group Ninebarrow, singing songs along the way inspired by the Dorset landscape
17th March
Arne Nature Reserve
(Register you interest with Pat, more details will be confirmed soon!)
Sounds great, how to book?
Call Pat Yonwin: 01305 852117 to book your place.
Feedback...
"It is amazing what can be achieved when the event is all inclusive."
“No one needs to be lonely or bored with life if they have some brain and mobility left particularly with help like yours about.”
