We all know what a wonderful job the folk at Dorothy House Winsley Hospice do. If you have had reason to visit, you will also know just how beautiful the grounds are.
With that in mind, it’s good to hear that Dorothy House has announced a new partnership with Bath Urban Treescape in launching a new, free woodland tree trail at Winsley.
Together, they are inviting local people to discover the beauty, history and wellbeing benefits of trees while exploring the grounds of their local hospice charity.
The new Winsley Woodland Tree Trail (Trail P) celebrates the remarkable trees that surround the Hospice and forms part of a wider ambition to create accessible spaces where people can connect with nature, reflect, and find solace in times of grief and change.
Visitors can begin exploring the interactive, self-guided trail immediately through the Bath Urban Treescape website:www.bathurbantreescape.com, with printed maps available through local distribution points including the Royal United Hospital, at Dorothy House reception and in the Nature Trail’s crayon cupboard in the Hospice’s grounds, discovering some of the area’s most significant trees while learning more about their ecological importance and the role they play in supporting wellbeing.
From mid- September, visitors to the new woodland tree trail will also be able to access information about individual trees through new QR-coded plaques, helping them learn more about the woodland and its history while following the trail route.
“At Dorothy House, our vision is of a society where death is a part of life. We know that nature can provide comfort, perspective and moments of peace, particularly for people who are grieving, caring for someone they love, or navigating difficult times.
The new Winsley Woodland Tree Trail is another route to opening up our beautiful grounds so that more people can enjoy them. Whether someone has a connection to our hospice or is simply looking for a place to walk, reflect and connect with nature, they will be very welcome here.”
Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive of Dorothy House
“Bath’s trees are an important part of both our natural and cultural heritage. Through our trails we encourage people to slow down, look more closely and discover more about the trees in the landscape around them. We’re delighted to partner with Dorothy House on Trail P, helping even more people experience the wellbeing, beauty and value of trees.”
Fiona Bell, Bath Urban Treescape
“It wasn’t difficult to identify 21 different tree species for inclusion in the new trail – the Hospice grounds are full of variety. The trail takes in many native trees, including English oak, beech, yew and wych elm, as well as ‘exotics’ such as Italian cypress, deodar and holm oak. All are worth taking time to study and appreciate.”
Hugh Williamson, Bath Urban Treescape
Dorothy House’s nature initiatives
The launch marks another milestone in Dorothy House’s ongoing work to open up its grounds to the wider community. Originally developed through partnerships with organisations including the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and local community groups, the Hospice’s nature-based initiatives are designed to offer people living with grief, caring responsibilities or life’s everyday pressures opportunities to pause, reflect and reconnect with the natural world.
Launched in May 2025, the Interactive Nature Trail in the grounds offers the opportunity to learn about wildlife habitats, with access to an augmented reality app which opens up a world of fascinating facts and animations. Using a mobile phone, visitors can take selfies with the resident creatures, discover more about the natural cycles of life and death, and learn about the range of species found in the preserved wild grassland meadow. There are also nature rubbings created by the Hospice’s Creative Arts therapists, as well as eight fascinating interpretative trail boards.
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.
Moments of Light
From October to December 2026, the Hospice grounds will come alive with a breathtaking new large-scale light installation, Moments of Light, by internationally renowned artist and Dorothy House Ambassador, Bruce Munro. For visitors to the Winsley Woodland Tree Trail, this is an opportunity to wander among thousands of illuminated forms, each one glowing softly, a constellation of light that seems to breathe with the landscape.
