Windrose Rural Media Trust

12/10/2026

A very interesting exhibition down at West Bay Discovery Centre.
Dr Giles Roberts was such an intriguing figure from Bridport's history.
In 1981, Bridport staged a community play, The Poor Man's Friend, the making of which was filmed for the BBC's arts programme. Arena. It was a terrific feat, with a cast of local people telling the story. The full Arena programme is here, at the end of this article https://thecommunityplaywright.substack.com/p/bloody-well-done-howard-barkers-the

08/10/2026

14/09/2026

Fantastic!

Something special happens when a fingerpost is restored. The sign is renewed, and so are the skills that go with it.

Someone may pick up a paintbrush for the first time. Someone else might learn traditional metalworking or restoration techniques they never knew existed.

And for younger generations, it can be a chance to discover a future in heritage crafts. Preserving Dorset's past helps build Dorset's future.

Have you ever learned a traditional skill from someone in your community?

Here’s to the Dorset Fingerpost volunteers and the superb work they do across the county.

Featured in our photo is volunteer Tim B**r, putting the finishing touches to one of Dorset’s iconic red fingerposts.

Quietly, methodically and often behind the scenes, these volunteers help keep our countryside routes clear, cared for and looking their best.

Thank you, Tim, and to all the volunteers who give their time and skills to keep these much-loved Dorset landmarks standing proud.

Find out how you can get involved 👇
https://dorset-nl.org.uk/project/dorset-fingerpost-project/

09/09/2026

A guided walk around West Bay tomorrow.
Some lovely memories of the Bay in this film from 2016 in which broadcaster Debra Hearne interviews Arthur Watson and Nigel Hawker at Bridport Electric Palace. Follow this link for the YouTube film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2VAPIrlXaU&t=6s

Can you guess where this is?
This image has a fascinating story behind it. Join our guided walk this Thursday to discover the answer!
Comment with your guess below 👇
🚶 Guided Walk
📅 Thursday
📍 Meet at West Bay Discovery Centre
⏰ 11am
No advance booking required. Fee £5.

05/09/2026

Dorset County Show ❤️

28/08/2026

More things to do this weekend...😊

August bank holiday is nearly here, and there are plenty of places to explore for the long weekend in Dorset.

Whether you're after coastal views, ancient history or a gentle woodland walk, here are a few ideas to get you started.

🏖️ Golden Cap, Bridport - the highest point on the south coast, with panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast
🌊 Arne Nature Reserve, Wareham - dramatic heathland and ancient oak woodland overlooking Poole Harbour
🚶 Stonebarrow, Charmouth - open spaces for a picnic and a smugglers trail to keep the kids entertained
🪨 Valley of Stones, Dorchester - a National Nature Reserve scattered with sarsen stones left behind by the last Ice Age
🏰 Durlston Country Park, Swanage - coast, meadows and woodland together, with trails for every kind of walk
🕰️ Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay, Wareham - a village frozen in time, with a walk down to the bay beyond

Find these and many more on our Explore page 👇
https://dorset-nl.org.uk/explore/

Where will your bank holiday adventure take you?

📷 : Photo of Golden Cap by Donna Edwards

28/08/2026

Things to do this weekend...

24/08/2026

West Bay Discovery Centre is a great little place - this exhibition is on for another three weeks.

Discover how the Jurassic Coast has changed through time.

Our Changing Landscapes exhibition celebrates 25 years of the Jurassic Coast as a World Heritage Site. Explore fossils including ammonites, see a model Jurassic seabed, watch short films about coastal change, and try the fossil touch table.

A great visit for curious minds of all ages.

🎟️ Free admission — donations welcome.
We will be open 7 days a week in August from 11 am to 4 pm.

18/08/2026

A walk along the coast...

If you're someone who would love to join a group walk and would rather go outdoors with someone alongside them, The South West Coast Path Connectors have that covered.

Coast Path Connectors run regular wellbeing walks along the Dorset coast. A friendly Nature Buddy is there to welcome you, walk alongside you, and help you feel part of the group from the start. Walking together by the sea lifts mood, supports physical and mental health, and helps ease stress, all while you take in the fresh air and coastal views.

Each walk is planned around what participants need, with information on the route, terrain, distance and facilities shared in advance. Up to six sessions with a Nature Buddy are available, the walks are free, and everyone is welcome.

Read more about stepping into summer with a Nature Buddy 👇
https://dorset-nl.org.uk/step-into-summer-with-a-nature-buddy/

Nature Buddies is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, helping to make Dorset more inclusive and accessible to all.

29/05/2026

Happy Oak Apple Day, the birthday of Charles II and the day he was restored to the throne in 1660.
In Great Wishford, they celebrate it like this:

This film captures Great Wishford Oak Apple Day, a unique village t...