The sunniest flowers on earth are the theme for Dorchester Council’s Summer of Sunflowers

Maiden Castle Farm will create a spectacular sunflower trail as a major fundraising event for a second year, supporting two important charities: the DCH Kingfisher Ward and Cherkasy Hospital in Ukraine. Profits generated by the trail will be donated by the farm, to be shared equally between these two chosen charities.
This year’s organiser, Hazel Hoskin, is working closely with Dorchester Town Council on a range of additional events and activities in Dorchester, all based around the theme of sunflowers to create a ‘Summer of Sunflowers’ in the town. Visit Dorchester town centre to witness spectacular sunflower sculptures suspended across South Street, as well as 25 sunflower-themed shop windows across the town and Poundbury, as local retailers join in with the activities.
Dorchester’s beautiful Borough Gardens will be a popular venue as it showcases a range of sunflower varieties which have been specially grown to highlight the beauty of these amazing flowers.
The main Sunflower Trail itself will be the highlight and happen during August at Maiden Castle Farm, when the sunflower crop is fully grown and in all its glory. You will get a map on entry, complete with a quiz challenge as you navigate the trail. It will take an estimated 30 minutes, with a mini version for those with accessibility issues. The attraction will include a photograph competition, opportunities for sundowner sessions, Pilates in the sunflowers, and more to be announced.
To boost the green credentials of the idea, visitors will be encouraged to follow a special scenic pavement path all the way from Dorchester’s town centre to the heart of the trail – about 1.5 miles. All this in the farm’s amazing location nestled at the foot of the historic Maiden Castle – the largest prehistoric hill fort in England.
Take a picnic, make a day of it, and enjoy dining next to one of the largest and most complex Iron Age Hillforts in Europe. Combine your visit to the Trail with a trip to the Maiden Castle Hillfort which is free and allows a different viewpoint of the Sunflower fields and panoramic views of the Dorset Countryside.
“With all the sunflowers in the town centre we think this year will be even better,” said Hazel, “and we hope that people will come along and join in.”

For more info and updates, go to
www.maidencastlefarm.co.uk/booking.