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Archaeology and Nature: Harvesting the Heath

Find out how we lived off the heath with practical activities and exhibits.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Today Studland is known for its beautiful beaches and nature reserves. In the past the people living there used plants from the heath, including heather, gorse and bracken, as the raw materials for building homes and for food, drink and herbal medicines.

Join us for a bit of experimental archaeology as we look at how plants and other resources were used in everyday life. Have a go at daubing the wattle or grinding flour, find out how sticking plasters were made from a fungus, which plants are best for dyeing wool and what a mattress was filled with.

Family friendly event,

Times

The basics

Accessibility

The event is held on an area of grass and decking outside the Discovery centre at Knoll, which is wheelchair accessible. There is accessible parking at Knoll, accessible toilet, changing places and access to the shop and cafe.

Meeting point

The Discovery Centre, Knoll beach, BH19 3AQ. Located on the left hand side as you come down the driveway.

Suitability for children

Family friendly event

Other

ANPR parking at Knoll Beach. Please remember your car registration when heading to the parking machines. NT members and blue badge holders park for free. You can also download the Just Park app in advance and you can add your NT membership card to the app.

Upcoming events

Wakey, Wakey, Paddle and Brekkie 

Enjoy a guided group kayak out to Old Harry Rocks on a summer's morning with time allowed to explore the bottom of the rocks. The kayaking is followed by freshly made full English breakfast at Knoll Beach café.

Event summary

on
20 Jun to 25 Jul 2026
at 08:15 to 10:15+ 4 other dates or times

Nature Tots (5 and under) 

Explore the outdoors with your little ones at our outdoor Nature Tots group

Event summary

on
22 Jun to 20 Jul 2026
at 10:00 to 11:30+ 2 other dates or times

Wellness in the Dunes: Yoga, Sound, Sauna & Lunch 

A restorative coastal morning in Studland’s dunes. Gentle yoga, a calming sound bath, beach sauna and a relaxed lunch — a rare opportunity to reset in this extraordinary landscape.

Event summary

on
27 Jun to 12 Sep 2026
at 09:30 to 13:30+ 8 other dates or times

World Sand Dunes Day Nature Walk 

Celebrate Studland's dynamic sand dunes by joining us for a nature walk.

Event summary

on
27 Jun 2026
at 14:00 to 16:00