Dorothy House opens new, interactive Nature Trail in Winsley

Fun for all the family

Opening just before the May half term, 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.

Children especially will enjoy the Nature Trail. In a survey of 102 pupils 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.”

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.

“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.” – Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive, Dorothy House Hospice Care

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 pause and learn more about the incredibly bio-diverse species found in the preserved calcareous grassland meadow.

With one loop of the trail completely accessible to wheelchair users* and with on-site parking, the trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the wellbeing benefits of nature.

*To preserve the natural habitats on site, two boards are not accessible by wheelchair. All other boards are situated along the tarmac path. Please refer to our map here for more information.

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

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.

The Nature Trail is the next step in our ambition to open up the Winsley House estate to anyone wishing to find a wellbeing space to reflect in nature, or to find serenity in grief.

We look forward to seeing you at the Nature Trail and hope you enjoy connecting with nature.