A community picnic will be held in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens next month.

Picnic in the Park will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 11am to 3pm.

It has been organised to bring people together and showcase some of the local opportunities and activities on offer to help improve fitness and wellbeing.

This year, the event is taking place as part of the ‘Naturally Healthy Month’ in May and is being coordinated by the Dorset Local Nature Partnership.

There will be a range of stalls with information and activities at the event so people will have a chance to try their hand at things like woodland craft, getting their face painted or cooking with the Friendly Food Club.

There will also be plenty of free taster sessions as well, including yoga, Zumba, nature-based mindfulness, high intensity interval training, Nordic Walking or table tennis! Or you may prefer to join a gentle guided walk with an accredited walk leader. You can even try out a Tramper – the 4x4 of mobility scooters – designed to take you off road!

There will also be live music and relaxing sounds on offer all day at the bandstand.

Matt from LiveWell Dorset said: “We will be delivering free Health MOTs. As well as discussing how healthy your lifestyle is, we’ll check your blood pressure, body fat percentage, weight, BMI and lung age. LiveWell Dorset is a free service provided by your council.” We’ll guide you to a healthier lifestyle through free advice and coaching. Do you want to become more active, lose weight, quit smoking or drink less alcohol? Talk to us”

Julie Hammon, who works for Stepping into Nature, a local project which connects people with nature, said: “Picnic in the Park is a great chance to get outside and find out what’s out there to help explore wellbeing outside, breathe in the fresh air and meet like-minded, friendly people.”

This is a very inclusive, dementia friendly event – so come and see how we can help.”

Maria Clarke, Local Nature Partnership Manager said: “Being out in nature has been proven to be a key part of our wellbeing. Spending just 20 minutes in a park can boost your mental health and wellbeing by making you happier. One study also showed that those exercising outdoors did so for 30mins more than those at a gym. So join as at the Picnic in the Park and find out about opportunities to get out in nature.”

The event is free to attend and families are encouraged to bring a picnic with them.