The Poundbury Nature Project has now been running for nearly four years, creating new nature-rich places in and around the new development, and enhancing others which already existed.

The project is a partnership between Charity People Need Nature, the Duchy of Cornwall, Dorchester Town Council, working with National Highways and Dorset Council. 

The nature project areas are managed by making hay and then removing it, with some work done by volunteers. 

Making hay and removing it keeps the soils infertile which is what the wildflowers need, and you can currently enjoy them in full bloom around Poundbury, as shown in the photos below.

Middle Farm Way has more and more flowers thanks to the hay being mown and removed

Hop Trefoil, an attractive yellow-flowered member of the clover family, is having a good year

Marbled White butterflies are just emerging

This year the Middle Farm Way roadside verge has been left to flower, while the development side verge continues to be cut

Bee Orchids are in full flower now on Fire Station Green. The Green will be mown once the Bee Orchids have set seed.

A single Pyramidal Orchid has popped up in front of the fire station - more will appear in future years

People Need Nature is raising funds for a new project, in which people struggling with their mental health will benefit from taking part in nature-based activities.

You can find out more about the project here.