This autumn half term, Dorothy House Hospice Care invites visitors to its free Interactive Nature Trail, transformed for Halloween high jinks.
Running between 26 October and 3 November, the Nature Trail offers the opportunity for everyone to connect with nature in the beautiful grounds of Winsley House, where kids and grown-ups alike can learn more about Halloween beasties and creepy crawlies.
Throughout the trail, visitors will be able to access an augmented reality app, updated for Halloween fun, which opens up a world of spooky facts about the natural world. Using a mobile phone, visitors can take selfies with the resident creepy creatures, discover more about the natural cycles of life and death, and learn about the owls, bats and other Halloween beasties that call the grounds their home.
For those wishing to go tech-free, there will also be a pumpkin trail along the path, with letters to find and unscramble, and a trail sheet to complete.
Families can also 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.
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 our project to make our Winsley site accessible and attractive to our patients, families, staff, existing supporters and wider community,” said Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive, Dorothy House Hospice Care. “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.”
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 rich 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.