Dorothy House Hospice Care opens new, interactive nature trail

Opening on 19 May to members of the public, the circular, interactive Nature Trail in Winsley is the next step in the Hospice charity’s ambition to open up the estate to anyone wishing to find a wellbeing space to reflect in nature, or to find serenity in grief.

Thanks, in part to an ongoing partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and generous fundraising donations received from The Rotary Club of Chippenham, the Dorothy House Nature Trail offers the wider community the opportunity to visit the beautiful grounds at the Inpatient and Day Patient units in Winsley and discover more about the proven benefits of being connected with nature.

Art Installation

The trail incorporates the stunning light installation, Firefly Woods, created by internationally renowned artist, Bruce Munro and that features 800 fireflies; each one a constellation of separate small lights dedicated in memory to a loved one who has died.

Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive, Dorothy House Hospice Care, says: The Dorothy House Interactive Nature Trail is phase one in the ‘Winsley House Place’ Project to make our Winsley estate accessible and attractive to our patients, families, staff, existing supporters and wider community. It is also a physical articulation of our vision of a society where death is a part of life and a space where anyone who has experienced grief can reflect and find peace.”

Image: Dorothy House

Fun for all the family

As well as learning lots about wildlife habitats, throughout the trail, visitors will be able to access an augmented reality app which opens up a world of fascinating facts and animations. Using a mobile phone, visitors can take selfies with the resident creatures, discover more about the natural cycles of life and death, and learn about the range of species found in the preserved wild grassland meadow.

Families seeking to go tech-free can opt to try out nature rubbings created by the Hospice’s Creative Arts Therapists and explore the fascinating life cycles represented on the eight interpretative trail boards.

From impressive Yellow Ant eco-engineers to UK Fireflies, Bechstein Bats and cucumber-scented herbs, there is much to wonder at whilst enjoying the stunning views across the Wiltshire valley.

In a survey of 102 children conducted with Abbeyfield School, Chippenham, 95% stated that they enjoyed nature trails. With many explaining that they were “calming”, “relaxing”, “peaceful”, they could “learn about nature”, “see trees and plants in different seasons” and that they ensured “spending quality time together.”

Easily accessible from local byways

Situated just off the public footpaths from the Kennet and Avon Canal at nearby Avoncliff or Limpley Stoke, the circular Nature Trail in Winsley is a perfect spot to take a pause and learn more about the incredibly bio-diverse species found in the calcareous grassland meadow.

With 50% of the trail completely accessible to wheelchair users and with on-site parking, the trail offers visitors an unique opportunity to connect with the wellbeing benefits of nature. 

A sustainable success                                                    

Thanks to the minimal disruption to the lower grassland meadow, Dorothy House Hospice Care has not only successfully sequestered a large area of soil carbon, but preserved a unique habitat for invertebrates, diverse grasses, bats and birdlife. Accessed by carefully carved out pathways, visitors can discover more about the impact of rewilding and consider ways in which they too can create biodiverse habitats in their own gardens.

The Nature Trail is one of many examples of how the Hospice charity is working innovatively to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its sustainability goals.

A community collaboration

The Rotary Club of Chippenham have generously supported the launch of the interactive nature trail, not just by making Dorothy House their Charity of the Year, but also by providing volunteers to clear and create new pathways along the trail circuit. 

Kate Tompkins, President of The Rotary Club of Chippenham says: “The Rotary Club of Chippenham is delighted to be supporting the development of the Interactive Nature Trail at Dorothy House. Rotary's mission is about service to our communities. Spending time clearing part of the pathway with our friends in the Chippenham Lions gave us all a sense of well-being through nature and of creating a space for reflection for all who are experiencing grief or loss in our communities.”

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust have carried out site surveys to ascertain what flora and fauna have made Dorothy House’s Winsley estate their home and advise on the best management of such a richly biodiverse site.

The Dorothy House volunteer gardening team have also worked tirelessly to ensure the site is ready to welcome visitors from 19 May and long into the future.