Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood

10/09/2026

Have you seen our new Play Area by our visitors centre. Perfect for little ones and right next to under the greenwood tree café

04/09/2026

It is the final weekend of our free Butterfly and Moth Trail around the reserve. See our events listings for more details. The below link can help you keep looking for these colourful insects as the season moves into Autumn. For the last few years we have been trying to find a Clifden Nonpareil around our small Aspen stand - maybe this is the year ...

Butterfly Conservation (Dorset Branch) Discover Dorchester

The seasons are changing, and so too are the butterflies and moths you can find in your wild spaces 🦋🍂

Keep an eye out for these species in your gardens and local green spaces this month, and let us know what you see.

26/08/2026

How lovely to see stABILITY making the most of our Roman Road Picnic Area improvements – this wonderful new table can be used for picnics, nature connection, nature based arts and is cited next to our Scheduled Ancient Monument, the Roman Road. Thank you to Dorset National Landscape for proving funding via The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to provide this accessible group picnic table, which can have up to 4 wheelchair users together out with others in nature and close to the ancient heritage of the reserve.

25/08/2026

Thomas Hardy's poetry is often overshadowed by his famous novels, yet his keen observations of the natural world feel remarkably current. Reading his work, it's easy to see the same wildlife and seasonal changes that continue to shape life in the landscapes that surround his Birthplace Cottage next to our reserve.

The Lizard

If on any warm day when you ramble around

Among moss and dead leaves, you should happen to see

A quick trembling thing dart and hide on the ground,

And you search in the leaves, you would uncover me.

National Trust North and West Dorset Dorchester, Thomas Hardy Country The Thomas Hardy Society Discover Dorchester Visit-Dorset Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

25/08/2026

Come and enjoy a woodland walk and learn about some of the insects which call it home.
Our Free Nature Trail is out until the end of the School holidays

24/08/2026

Our amazing Moth and Butterfly Trail is still up in the reserve for you to enjoy. Come and enjoy a woodland walk, learn about nature and treat yourself at under the greenwood tree café
The trail follows our off road mobility scooter route so if you know of someone who loves nature but are unable to walk so far this could be a perfect day out. Trampers are hired with the rangers Countryside Mobility Hire Scheme prebooking is advised 01305251228

24/08/2026

Ranger Claire really enjoyed her Monday evening pizza after work today!
Thanks to The Fiery Fox and Greenwood Grange.
Pizzas available until 8.30pm today and next Monday, only.
Pizza boxes can be taken home to recycle ♻️

24/08/2026

What are you having for breakfast tomorrow ?

Brunch awaits at under the greenwood tree café from 10am Tuesday to Sunday. So will you have it after or before your walk ?

13/08/2026

Tomorrows do to list
1) Keep the kids busy in the shade
2) Walk the dog in the shade
3) Have a freshly prepared lunch
Why not visit us here at Hardy's Birthplace and Thorncombe Wood and do it all at the same time. Our way marked trail takes you through ancient woodland, open heathland, over a Roman Road, and back through the woodland to the visitors centre with facilities for dogs and humans.
Polygon Pets Limited Dorset Dogs under the greenwood tree café

13/08/2026

One of the amazing hand painted discs on our summer nature trail. Treat yourself to some shade and come find them all x