Picnic in the Park has gone virtual to help people find new ways to enjoy nature and look after their health from home.

Explore a Dorset-themed park to find inspiration, discover new experiences and enjoy fun health and nature-related activities.

Created by Stepping into Nature, Natural Choices and Active Dorset, along with local organisations and community groups, there is a range of activities to suit.

Steph Aburrow, Stepping into Nature project officer, said: "There is a fantastic mix of activities and is all available for free. You could choose to go on a virtual walk through Dorset's countryside and beaches, take part in park yoga and creative writing and even learn about Dorset's history and wildlife.

"As the seasons and restrictions change, so will the mix of activities available so you can keep returning for new inspiration. It is just a really positive place to explore and is great used when you are stuck for ideas of things to do."

The first Picnic in the Park event was held in Dorchester in 2018, following an initial idea from Dorchester Town Council and, following its success, further events were planned.

The events had short taster session, such as yoga, mindfulness in nature and Zumba, live music as well as stalls offering information about fitness, health and wellbeing.

At the start of 2020, there were 10 Picnic in the Park events planned across Dorset, however as Covid-19 came along all the events had to be cancelled. The events were growing in popularity and were a fun way for people to find out what was available in their local community, so creating the website will keep this going.

Maria Clarke, Dorset Local Nature Partnership manager and Natural Choices lead, said: "We would love to know what people think of Picnic in the Parks and what else they might like to see on the pages to keep improving it. As a thank you for taking part in a short survey, we are offering a Dorset Food and Drink hamper prize worth £50."

If you would like more information, email [email protected] or call 01305 224788.

Picnic in the Parks is funded by National Lottery Community Fund and Sports England through the Stepping into Nature and Active Ageing projects.

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