The Dorset Sunflower Trail launches at Maiden Castle Farm
It is going to be blooming fun
A 20-acre trail that will be sewn with sunflowers is launching in Dorchester this summer.
The Great Dorset Sunflower Trail is being held at Maiden Castle Farm, found at the foot of Maiden Castle.
Families and lovers of nature are invited to visit the farm to see the sunflowers in full bloom and support the local Dorset County Hospital (DCH) at the same time.
Half of the profits will be donated to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and the main DCH hospital charity.
Organiser of the attraction, farmers Richard and Hazel Hoskin said it was more important than ever to celebrate nature after a year of lockdown restrictions. She said:
"We aim to put on this uplifting outdoor family fun experience this summer and importantly raise essential funds for Dorset County Hospital.
"It is a cause particularly close to our hearts because when our son Thomas was born three months early, the staff in SCBU were incredible. Throughout this time, their work and support was crucial to his and our wellbeing.
"Thomas will be 18 this year and this is an important milestone and we felt this was the perfect time to be able to give something back."
The 20-acre trail will be planted in time for the summer holidays, estimated to open the first weekend of August.
Tickets can be booked online for timed slots, which will ensure covid related regulations are within the correct limits, and participants will be able to download a map so they can explore the sunflower fields for themselves.
The main trail will take an estimated 40-minutes but there will also be a shorter trail with people with accessibility requirements. Tickets will be ÂŁ5 per person.
The attraction will include a photograph competition, opportunities for sundowner sessions in the golden fields and more to be announced.
Mrs Hoskin added: "We love the land, that we are lucky enough to live and farm everyday and we are looking forward to sharing this with you all. Sunflowers are stunning to look at and even better when the fields are golden at the height of bloom. You can walk and enjoy the beauty of nature and grab that perfect photo opportunity, be uplifted walking through the 20 acres of Sunflowers.
"We are very excited to see the transformation of our fields and we hope it will be a memorable visit for all, in addition to helping the local hospital in a small way. We will confirm the opening hours but of course, depends on Mother Nature."
Find out more about the event here.