Want to try something different this year? Sally Welbourn of Dorset Wildlife Trust reveals some exciting courses and workshops for you to experience right in the heart of the glorious Dorset countryside at Kingcombe

Tucked away in West Dorset, amongst 450 acres of wildflower meadows, ancient woodland and pasture still traditionally farmed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, is The Kingcombe Centre. In this idyllic location at Toller Porcorum, just outside Dorchester, you can learn about everything from art and photography to ecology and wildlife gardening, taking in a dawn chorus walk, willow weaving workshop and a wallpaper printing course along the way. This year’s programme features over 50 courses and workshops, all with a wildlife or nature theme at their heart. So why not make your New Year Resolution to try something different and sign up for one of our courses.

For the keen walker

17-19 May - Walking in West Dorset

Explore the rolling hills and ancient byways of west Dorset learning about natural history and conservation along the way, with DWT experts. Cost: residential £269, non-residential £189

22 October - Deer Walk at Dawn

Join Sam Hamer on an early morning walk to watch the autumn deer rut at Powerstock, followed by a full breakfast. Cost £18pp

22 October - Kingcombe Farm Walk & Feast

Discover how Dorset Wildlife Trust farm in harmony with wildlife on this guided walk led by DWT conservation officer Emily Newton, and stockman, Ashlea Kirk, followed by Sunday lunch. Cost £30pp

For the arty and creative

17 – 19 March: Willow Basket Weekend Workshop

Discover the ancient craft of willow weaving and make traditional baskets to take home. Cost: residential £289, non-residential £209

12 –16 June: Summer Plants in Watercolour

Paint the abundant flowers and plants of the summer meadows, hedgerows and gardens with Christina Hart-Davies. Cost: residential £499, non-residential £339

1 – 3 September: Wallpaper Weekend Workshop

Taught by internationally renowned Lyme Regis artist Hugh Dunford Wood, create plant inspired wallpaper using lino blocks, learning how to repeat patters before printing a length by hand. Cost: residential £329, non-residential £249

For the budding photographer

25 – 26 March - Astro-photography Workshop

Stellar astro-photographer Stephen Banks shows you the techniques for capturing the incredible night sky, including composition and post production. Cost: residential £169, non-residential £129.

10 - 12 April - Landscape Photography Workshop

Develop your skills in technique, composition and image processing with award-winning photographer, Mark Bauer. Cost: residential £349, non-residential £269

For nature lovers

5 May: Morning Chorus Breakfast

Experience the incredible songs of the dawn chorus on this early morning guided walk at the Kingcombe meadows followed by a hearty breakfast at the onsite café. Cost £18pp

9 - 11 June: Butterflies & Moths of Dorset

On this weekend course expert David Brown introduces you to the butterflies and moths of early summer in Dorset’s farmed landscape of ancient pastures and woodland. Cost: residential £289, non-residential £209

21 July: Improving Meadows & Grasslands

DWT conservation officer, Nick Gray, reveals how to restore and recreate flower-rich grassland. Then visit Kingcombe meadows to look at characteristic species like common knapweed, yellow rattle and corky-fruited water dropwort. Cost £65pp.

22 July: Scything Workshop

Learn the traditional skill of using a scythe on this practical course taught by Chris Riley. Cost £85pp

5 - 7 September: Wildlife Garden Planning & Design

DWT wildlife gardening expert, Briony Baxter takes you to some of Dorset’s best gardens, large and small and inspires with demonstrations and design sessions to take home with you. Cost: residential £299, non-residential £219

Take a course at Kingcombe

There are 50 different courses and workshops available from March through to November at the Kingcombe Centre (DT2 0EQ), both residential and non residential. The Centre also offers B & B accommodation, and a five bedroom cottage available for short breaks (dogs welcome, or book a night in the Living Van which comes with its own private deck and fire pit. More details at kingcombe.org or call 01300 320684.