Interactive Nature Trail
A wellbeing space to connect with nature
Situated just off the public footpaths from the Kennet and Avon Canal at nearby Avoncliff or Limpley Stoke, the Dorothy House Interactive 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 rich grassland meadow.
As a Hospice, our vision is of a society where death is part of life. Through its seasons, nature reminds us of the fragility of life and offers peace and solace from sadness and overwhelm. The Dorothy House Interactive Nature Trail is the next step in our ambition to open up the site to anyone wishing to find a wellbeing space to reflect in nature, or to find serenity in grief.
Sky Kids FYI - Lifecycles
We are proud to be featured in the latest episode of Sky Kids FYI, in a film entitled ‘Lifecycles.’
The team filmed at the Hospice, exploring our Interactive Nature Trail with Lucy, whose dad was cared for on our Inpatient Unit, and Julia Davidson from our Family Services Team. The film is a welcome iteration of our vision of a society where death is a part of life, and the importance of destigmatising death and dying for children and young people.
A community collaboration
In part to an ongoing partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and generous fundraising donations received from The Rotary Club of Chippenham, the 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.
Pause and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful view over the valley. Listen to the chirping of the birds in the trees, and the buzzing and humming of insects, taking note of the vibrant but peaceful sounds of nature all around you.
Trail etiquette
- Our gardens are maintained by volunteers so please take any litter home with you.
- Bees are working in the meadow. Please be respectful of their environment and do not stray too close to their hives.
- You are welcome to bring your dogs on the trail, but please keep them on a lead and pick up after them.
- The paths may become uneven and slippy in wet weather. Please mind your step – we cannot accept responsibility for any injuries that occur whilst participating in the trail.
- 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.
For further information about the use of our Interactive Nature Trail app, please visit our privacy policy.
A sustainable success!
Thanks to the minimal disruption to the lower grassland meadow, we have not only successfully sequestered a large area of soil carbon, but preserved a unique habitat for invertebrates, rare 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 bio-diverse habitats in their own gardens. The Nature Trail is one of many examples of how the Hospice is working innovatively to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve its sustainability goals.
Death as a part of life
While meditating on the vitality of life, so abundant on our Nature Trail, it is important to remember that death goes hand in hand with life.
Nature showcases this relationship every day, but as a society we are often keen to avoid conversations about death and the dying process.
As a Hospice charity, we are here for our community in life and death. We have created this Nature Trail to offer opportunities for anyone to have honest and open conversations about the end of life.
Seb Chester-Phillips, Young Person's Ambassador
Our Young Person’s Ambassador, Seb Chester-Phillips visited our Interactive Nature Trail just before it opened on 19 May and shared his personal reflections on what nature means to him since the death of his mum, Amanda in 2016. Seb is generously using his personal experience of losing his mum aged 12, not only to offer support to young people who are sadly grieving the death of a parent but also to help educate and inform our community about the importance of destigmatising death for young people.
A space to find peace, solace and to connect with nature
In nature we see the harmony of life and death, with death supporting life, not diminishing it. We hope that our nature trail provides you with peace and solace; somewhere you can find space to reflect and remember, and connect with nature.
Whether you have a relationship with Dorothy House Hospice Care or not, we are here for our community when you need us most. For end of life care, bereavement support or fun events and challenges, we’re here.
Free resources
If you, a friend or a loved one is living with a life-limiting illness, we’re here with practical and clinical information and emotional support.
Whatever your question, find free support on making your will, living with an illness and supporting people in grief by clicking the ‘access resources’ button below.