Homes across Dorchester will be opening their doors to the public to show others how they can live greener lives.

Dorset Climate Action Network (DCAN) has launched this year's Greener Homes Initiative and will be running an open homes event across the last weekend of September and the first of October.

Around 45 homes are opening across Dorset - including Chalk Wall House in Dorchester, East Hill in Charminster, The Barn in Charlton Down, St Martinsfield in Martinstown, Blagdon Hill in Martinstown and Kingswood in West Bexington - for a day to showcase how they are reducing their carbon footprint.

Some of these are new houses built with very high levels of insulation, heat pumps and ventilation systems. Others have been retro-fitted with extra insulation, solar panels and better windows. Yet others are homes where people have made lifestyle changes - growing vegetables, wildlife friendly gardens, using bicycles or electric cars, travelling less and reducing waste.

Some of the solutions are very ingenious, with energy saving measures from repurposed materials at very little cost, storing rainwater in IBC tanks and zoning the heating in their homes.

Sam Wilberforce, who has been organising open EcoHomes in West Dorset for eight years, said: "Our hosts have a huge repository of knowledge, enthusiasm and expertise on energy saving measures.

"Visitors have returned inspired and informed about what they can do in their own homes. Many of the visitors return next year as Greener Homes hosts to showcase what they have achieved."

Each of the homes have specific opening times and some require prior booking. Visit dorset.greenopenhomes.net for details on all the homes and booking instructions.

The Dorset Greener Homes is running on the weekends of September 25 and 26 and October 2 and 3.

DCAN has received a grant from Dorset Community Energy to run this event. All those involved are volunteers.

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