In a project led by Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and supported by the Mayor of Dorchester, Dorset’s county town will receive the first ever community grass free lawn to be planted in the UK on 6thApril (Easter Monday), in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens.
Since September 2014, DWT has distributed 1,500 plant trays to 78 individuals and families, 6 schools, including Kingston Maurward, and 5 community groups, including Weldmar, Cowden Care Farm and Whitfield Future Roots centre. The result will be a patchwork of flowering plants, rather than grass, which aims to create a haven for bees and butterflies to benefit from.
DWT’s Community Conservation Officer, Joy Wallis, is leading on this project. She said, “We are really grateful to the local community, who have really pulled together to help create the first grass free lawn in Dorchester, and the first community grass free lawn in the UK. Research suggests that this type of lawn is fantastic for pollinating insects and all sorts of other wildlife. It needs no chemical additives, produces many more flowers than a grass lawn and there will be something in flower all year round. There’s also a bonus for us, as it’s nicer to look at and requires far less maintenance than a traditional turf lawn. We hope that people will visit the gardens and feel inspired to try it themselves at home!”
In September 2014, the Mayor of Dorchester, Peter Mann, announced the grass free lawn project would be the subject of the 2014/15 Mayoral Appeal. He said, “This exciting and innovative project has involved a wide range of community groups and individuals in planting up seed trays and now helping to plant the Grass Free Lawn. I very much look forward to seeing colourful flowers nearly all the year round and increasing numbers of bees and butterflies and other pollinating insects.”
Come along on Monday 6thApril, 10am – 3pm, to see the planting of the grass free lawn. Volunteers will be bringing their trays and planting them in a patchwork pattern in Borough Gardens in Dorchester. Starter kits will also be available, and all proceeds from this will go towards the Borough Gardens.
This project is supported by Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT), Dorchester Town Council, The Heritage Lottery Fund, and the Gardens Group. For more information about wildlife gardening, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-gardening
