Landscapes for life; celebrating 60 years of Dorset’s Area of Outsandin Natural Beauty (AONB)
The Landscapes for Life Festival, from 21 – 29 September, is celebrating Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’s very special anniversary with a packed programme of free walks, talks and have-a-go activities.
Sixty years ago, a line was drawn around nearly half of Dorset’s landscape from the lush green hills and vales in the west, across the ancient South Dorset Ridgeway, to the wild craggy cliff tops and coast of Purbeck. This line marked our Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), a designation that alongside our National Parks make up our finest countryside and landscapes protected in the national interest for future generations.
To celebrate, we’ve asked some very special people who live and work in this rich and vibrant landscape to share the places they love. During the Festival, artists, storytellers, wildlife experts, geologists, farmers, and archaeologists uncover what makes the landscape so outstanding. Join in and find your own special place to love along the way!
Special event: ‘National Moment’ for AONBs kickstarts the Festival
On Saturday 21 September, people across the country will be creating hearts in the landscape to show their love and appreciation for our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs). This unique event launches our week-long celebration to mark Dorset AONB’s 60th birthday, as well as 70 years since AONBs and National Parks were first established.
Join us at the iconic Cerne Giant at 1pm and help us we create an enormous heart of people to show we care about Dorset’s landscape. A short ceremony led by artist Lorna Rees will feature a new poem written by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Experts will be on hand to tell you about why the Cerne Giant is quite such a special place and will also talk about why the AONBs are so important for them personally as well as for the Nation. Bring a picnic, free tea and cake for everyone who helps us make a heart. See our website for more detail.
Other events in the Festival will take place across the whole AONB area offering something for all interests, ages and abilities including:
Postcards of the past, present and future: Wednesday 25 September
Archaeologist Steve Wallis has a vast collection of old postcards of Dorset landscapes and villages also has a passion for photography – using the location of these old postcards to take new shots that tell the story of change. Steve has devised an evening talk at Shire Hall in Dorchester, based on his collection and enthuses:
Steve Wallis Said: “The Dorset AONB is celebrated for its timeless qualities, but when you look closer you see that it is constantly changing, often in surprising ways.”
This talk will compare historic pictures with modern views of the same spots to find out what has, and hasn’t, changed over the past century or so. We’ll look at a wide variety of the towns, villages, historic sites and countryside of the Dorset AONB and consider how they may change in the next 60 years”
Forest School activities: Saturday 25 September
For young and old to try the traditional craft of whittling, make a bread knife while you find out how great coppice woodlands are for wildlife . and do some forest bathing.
Try out a Tramper all week
Throughout the week, our guided walks explore the heritage, wildlife, culture and great views on which the AONB was designated. But for anyone who doesn’t find walking too easy, special ‘Tramper’ walks using a bookable off-road buggy at Durlston Country Park include Wildlife Photography and Early Bird Migration.
We are also offering free 2-week trial of a Tramper at other stunning countryside sites including Holten Lee, Arne, Lulworth Cove and Hardy’s Birthplace.
Poetry Walk: Monday 23 September
Join Jurassic Coast poet-in-residence Sarah Acton, for a gentle poetry walk to connect your creative thinking to the natural environment through readings, discussion, and easy creative writing exercises in response to the landscape.
Find full details of the programme and how to book
www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/landscapes-for-life-festival/
Events are FREE but most require BOOKINGS as limited places.
Festival Enquires: 01305 228246 dorsetaonb@gmail.com
