Nature Trail
Discover more!Now open to the public!
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.
A space to find peace, solace and to connect with nature
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.
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.
Map of Trail
FREE fun for all the family
- Incredible habitats
- Interactive app
- Fascinating facts
- Collect digital stamps
- Art installation
- Nature rubbings
- Free parking!
When accessing the trail, please be mindful that we are a working Hospice with patients, families and staff on site at all times. Please, therefore do not stray from the clearly marked trail.
Toilets are accessible during office hours via main reception at the front of the Hospice. Out of hours, the Seven Stars pub is a short walk away.
Please note, you do not need to download the interactive app before arriving at the trail.
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.
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.