Stepping into Nature, a project aiming to improve the wellbeing of Dorset’s older people, including those living with dementia and their carers, is providing a free limited edition book.

‘Seasons of Stories Winter’ includes captivating short stories, riddles, recipes, poetry, and illustrations.

The book can be enjoyed by everyone and is particularly great for people who have limited opportunities to connect to nature. The release of the winter edition will complete the Seasons of Stories series of popular books which have proved very popular with people who say the books have enabled them to have meaningful conversations with loved ones and brought back fond memories.

Stepping into Nature project officer, Steph Aburrow said: “We’re excited to share the winter book and for the ‘Seasons of Stories’ series to be complete. We are proud of all the books we’ve created, and the winter book will not disappoint. Creating this book has made me look beyond the dark, cold and glum wintery days and instead appreciate the beautiful parts of winter, such as the clear starlit skies and glistening frosty mornings. Hopefully this book will help people to find what they personally love about winter.”

The book has been produced by the creative team made up of Martin Maudsley, (storyteller), Sarah Acton (poet), Julie Hammon and Steph Aburrow, (Stepping into Nature project team) and Spike Golding, (designer).

Martin Maudsley said: “Despite the wild weather, winter holds many bright treasures. The dark, cold nights provide the perfect setting for sitting round the fire together and telling stirring stories.”

The book is available to view digitally now and for the first time also available as an audio version. Simply go to www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/park-event/winterbook for a free limited edition physical copy. To pre-request a physical copy by post, fill in the short form online, call Jules, Stepping into Nature Project coordinator, on 01305 224785 or provide your name and address via stepin2nature@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. Include a short sentence or two to say why you would like the book. There is a limited number of books available and they will be allocated on first come first served basis.

The Stepping into Nature project is led by the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. For more about Stepping into Nature go to www.stepin2nature.org