A new orienteering course is opening in Sherborne. The course has been jointly funded by Public Health Dorset, Sherborne Market and Sherborne Town Council and with the help of residents from the Grove Patient Participation Group and in partnership with the Wessex Orienteers, Wimborne Orienteers, Dorset Council Rangers and Sherborne Primary Care Network (PCN)

Anyone can take part, anytime. The initiative aims to encourage residents to increase physical activity and embed the use of green spaces for activity and recreation. The course is a blend of rural and urban with open grassland along the river where kingfishers and other wildlife may be seen.

Each course is laid with small plaques with letter codes at various points. Using a Maprun6 app or a waterproof map, you can walk or run the course with the aim of gaining maximum points from as many plaques as possible. Maps can be downloaded and printed from the Wimborne Orienteers website or borrowed from the Sherborne Library or Town Council Offices.

“The Sherborne Market was very pleased to assist with the funding for this project, our artisans and traders are at the heart of our community and anything we can do to help attract visitors to our lovely area is central to what our market is about” said Jules Bradburn, Sherborne Market.

“The courses will encourage residents and visitors to get out into the local surroundings to see areas that would not normally be on their radar and having a connection to the outside environment brings many health benefits” said Cllr Anne Hall, Former Mayor 2021/2022, Sherborne Town Council.

According to the NHS, being active can reduce your risk of major illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Research shows it can also boost self-esteem, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, depression, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Spending time outside and in nature is also great for your mental wellbeing.

Sarah Webster, Operations Manager, Sherborne PCN said “The Sherborne Primary Care Network were delighted to be able to contribute to such a worthwhile project. Exercise is so important in maintaining and improving our general health. It also has a positive effect on our emotional well-being and mental health, especially when outside in our beautiful surroundings. These orienteering courses are a wonderful, free resource for our community. With the shorter one being accessible, it is hoped that all our residents will complete it”.