Open from May 19th 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.
“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
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.
“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.” Kate Tompkins, President – The Rotary Club of Chippenham
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 the 19th May and long into the future.
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Dorothy House Hospice Care provides outstanding free palliative and end of life care to a population of over 550,000 people in Bath & North East Somerset, and parts of Somerset and Wiltshire.
We provide medical services, family support and personalised hospice at home care for around half of the people in our community who are approaching death. We are funded partly by the NHS, but predominantly by donations, our 27 shops, and fundraising efforts. For every £1 from the government, we have to work hard to raise another £4 to make sure that we can meet the growing need for our services.
To support us with our many fundraising efforts, please visit us online at dorothyhouse.org.uk or call us on 01225 721 480.
The Rotary Club of Chippenham is part a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is part of the UK Wildlife Trusts movement and was founded in 1962, driven by a concern to protect local wildlife and natural habitats. Today, they manage over 40 nature reserves across Wiltshire and Swindon, including wetland, woodland, meadow and chalk downland habitats.
The Trust also works with local communities through a range of nature-based educational and wellbeing activities to promote sustainable living and to increase nature connectedness and wellbeing.
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