A family of Dorset farmers have opened bookings for a spectacular new attraction to raise money for the hospital that saved their son’s life.

A 20-acre sunflower trail will open at Maiden Castle Farm in Dorchester as soon as the flowers do, expected to be about August 9. The trail, which may open sooner if the giant plants bloom quicker, is the brainchild of Richard and Hazel Hoskin.

Some 18 years ago, Dorset County Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit cared for their son Thomas, who was born three months premature. Now half the profits from the attraction, in its first year at the farm at the foot of Maiden Castle, will go to DCH and SCBU.

Hazel said: “This is such an important event to their family. Our son Thomas was born three months early and the care and support we received is something that we’ve never forgotten. Not only will the trail hopefully bring joy to families and nature lovers this summer, but it will raise important funds for these vital local charities.”

The 20-acre trail was planted on May 1, but due to the wet and challenging growing season the sunflowers have taken slightly longer than their usual 90-day growing period.

Tickets can now be booked online for timed slots to enable social distancing and space to enjoy the flowers. People starting the trail will get a map on entrance complete with a quiz challenge to complete as you navigate the trail. The main trail will take about 40-minutes but there will also be a shorter trail suitable for people with accessibility requirements.

Hazel added: “We have tried our hardest to accommodate everyone, but please remember the Sunflower Trail is just a farm field, therefore it can be very bumpy and uneven. If you have any concerns, please call.”

There will be a photo competition, opportunities for sundowner sessions in the golden fields and more. People will be able to bring a picnic, or grab a cake and a drink from a pop-up café in a converted horse box. There will also be local ice cream on sale.

Go to facebook.com/MaidenCastleFarm and maidencastlefarm.co.uk for more.

Support Us

Thank you all so, so much for the love and appreciation you’ve shown us since we launched the New Blackmore Vale.

Please show your support and add a review on our Facebook page or on Google.